On March 2, 2026, at approximately 6:51 P.M., Metro Transit Officers were dispatched to a silent alarm on a southbound Metro Transit A line bus at Minnehaha Avenue and Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, County of Ramsey. The bus stopped at the Snelling & University southbound platform in Saint Paul. Officers met ALS as he exited the bus. ALS said he was maced. He had difficulty opening his eyes and was in pain. ALS said he boarded the bus with two other people at the Rosedale Transit Center, and sat at the back of the bus.
ALS said as the bus drove south, the female sprayed him in the face with mace and tried to grab money from him. The female said, “Gimme my money,” while trying to reach into his pockets. ALS said the male and female grabbed his backpack that had his clothes. ALS said the male and female got off the bus at Snelling and University, and left the scene. ALS said he did not know the male and female. Operator K. Hendrickson reviewed video, and observed a male and female who appeared to block the victim (ALS) in the corner of the bus and take things form his pockets.
The male suspect grabbed something from ALS’s hands and went through his pockets. The male took ALS’s backpack. Later, at approximately 10:29 P.M., a call was received regarding people doing drugs in the Selby Avenue and Hamline bus shelter. Operator K. Hendrickson monitored live cameras and noted one of the individuals matched the description of the male involved in the incident against ALS earlier in the day. Offices located the male and identified him as DAVID JOHNSON, [DOB REDACTED]. JOHNSON was arrested by officers.
JOHNSON declined an interview.
