DENVER — Denver police arrested a 24-year-old man Saturday morning who allegedly assaulted a RTD security officer aboard a train.
The incident happened shortly before 8:50 a.m. on the A Line near the 38th and Blake RTD station in Denver's Five Points neighborhood.
Cell phone video shared with Denver7 shows the scuffle between the security officer and the man. At one point, the security officer is seen trying to keep the passenger in a chokehold until the train comes to a stop and Denver police arrive to help detain the man.
The video also shows a gun near the suspect, which appears to have fallen during the scuffle. Police confirmed it was a toy gun.
An RTD spokesperson said the alleged assault happened after the security officer asked for the man's ticket. According to the probable cause statement, the security officer asked the man to leave the train, the man refused and he then assaulted the officer.
"We know that a lot of our frontline workers are put in a position sometimes that are challenging," said RTD Acting Senior Manager of Public Relations and Engagement Tina Jaquez. "Obviously, the security guard was doing his job by being on the train."
In situations like these, Jaquez said passengers should not get involved and instead call 911 or report the incident to RTD's Transit Watch.
Denver police identified the 24-year-old man as Shannon Hamilton. He's charged with trespassing, disturbing the peace, and assault — all misdemeanors. Colorado Bureau of Investigation records show he has an extensive criminal history and is known to local police.
As of Monday, Hamilton remained in the Downtown Detention Center.
Allied Universal, the company that contracts with RTD for its security officers, sent Denver7 the following statement:
"Allied Universal is committed to providing best-in-class security services that our clients can trust and rely upon. The Security Professional, who was attacked by a passenger this past Saturday, has fully recovered and is back at work. He has been a member of the Allied Universal team since 2013. He is a true hero and is known for his constant dedication to safeguarding all RTD passengers, staff and members of our community. He is the recipient of the Allied Universal Officer of the Year award in 2021."
