VIDEO: Woman held down during arrest at Fort Totten Metro station sparks controversy

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — A woman held down by a Metro Transit Police officer during an arrest at the Fort Totten station has sparked controversy.

The incident took place Monday morning. In a cell phone video, the officer pins the woman down while holding a taser to her back.

Commuters gathered around the scene as the woman's breasts were exposed. An individual tries to cover her up. The woman is then removed from the station by officers.

On Monday, Metro released a statement regarding the incident.

At approximately 8:50 a.m. today, a uniformed Metro Transit Police Officer attempted to stop an adult female for fare evasion. The woman ignored the officer, refusing multiple commands to stop. When the officer took hold of the woman's arm, she pulled away and downward, causing the two to fall to the ground. The officer was able to gain control of the situation and awaited priority backup before safety taking the woman into custody. There were no injuries.

The incident caused a crowd to gather around the officer while he was attempting to restrain the woman, including at least one male subject who threatened the officer. For safety reasons consistent with protocol, the officer maintained his department-issued TASER in a “low ready” position until backup arrived. TASER was not deployed during this incident.

As is standard whenever there is a use of force, MTPD command staff will review the arrest to ensure that all department policies and protocols were followed.

The woman, age 24, was charged with Assault on a Police Officer and Fare Evasion.

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ABC7's Stephen Tschida has more on this story in the above video.