The program, begun in 2021 in St. Clair County and expanded last year to Missouri, is part of Metro Transit s overall effort to improve security on the light rail line.
Multiple people watched it happen, including other MetroLink officers, the witnesses said. Several people told the officer he was using excessive force.
The guard, who worked for a subcontractor, has since been “removed from duty,” according to Kevin Scott, general manager of security at Bi-State Development.