On or about February 2, 2026, at approximately 1:17 A.M., Metro Transit Police officers boarded an out-of- service bus at the 7th Street Bus Garage to remove a passenger who refused to depart. The bus garage is located at 101 9th Street North in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Officers approached the bus and saw a man, later identified as MARIO DARROD HAMILTON, [DOB REDACTED] AKA MARIO DARRODD HAMILTON, [DOB REDACTED], (“Defendant” herein), seated in the back of the bus, alert but refusing to exit.
Officers approached Defendant and informed him the bus was done for the night, and he needed to leave. Defendant told officers he wanted to be transported to Mercy Hospital in Anoka. Officers told Defendant they could get him a ride to the Hennepin County Medical Center (“HCMC” herein), but Mercy Hospital was too far away for a courtesy ride and too far to request medics from to come get him. Defendant refused to go to HCMC. Officers asked if Defendant could call anyone for a ride to Mercy Hospital, and he said no.
Officers continued to tell Defendant that he needed to exit the bus because it was out-of-service for the night. Defendant repeatedly refused to leave. Officers informed Defendant that he was trespassing and would be arrested if he did not exit the bus. Defendant still refused to exit. Officers grabbed Defendant’s arms, but Defendant tensed up and pulled away from officers. Officers told Defendant he was under arrest and ordered him to put his hands behind his back. Defendant remained non-compliant.
Multiple officers attempted to arrest Defendant by grabbing his arms and placing Defendant on his stomach on the floor of the bus. One officer (“Victim 1” herein) attempted to grab Defendant’s ankles while Defendant was laying on his stomach so other officers could handcuff Defendant. Defendant retracted his legs. Victim 1 attempted again to gain control of Defendant’s legs, and Defendant clawed at Victim 1’s face, knocking off Victim 1’s glasses and patrol cap. This caused a reddish scrape across Victim 1’s forehead.
After struggling with Defendant, officers were able to handcuff him and escort him to a squad car. While escorting Defendant to the squad car, Defendant turned towards Victim 1 and spit at Victim 1. Defendant is currently in custody.
