New data shows increase in crime on Phoenix light rail system

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - New data from Valley Metro shows there’s been a significant spike in crime on the light rail system. It comes a day after Arizona’s Family reported a disturbing attack and robbery on the light rail. Cell phone video captures a hammer-wielding suspect going after a man who had intervened to stop a fight.

Valley Metro’s data shows the total number of incidents has increased. It was 1335 in 2020, 1618 in 2021, and 2482 in 2022, and the year isn’t over. The increases happened across all three cities, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, with the most dramatic rise in Phoenix. The data breaks down the numbers into three categories: crimes against persons, property crime, and code of conduct – which include trespassing, disorderly conduct, and disruptive passengers.

“I used to take it at night, don’t take it no more. It was just really bad… I’ve seen some altercations happen where I’ve tried to step in and ended up not working out in my favor, I should have just kept my mouth shut,” Clarissa St. Peter said. She explained that she uses the light rail to get to and from work on a daily basis.

Our crew spotted one such concerning interaction during their ride Friday evening. It appeared a guy who was drunk tried to board a train. Their security guards stopped him and alerted Phoenix Police. “I’ve seen violence on the light rail… I’ve seen bad things happen, people get hit a lot,” Shawn’Tice Bonnei said. Bonnei said it’s especially bad early in the mornings and late at night.

In response to the incident regarding the hammer-wielding suspect, Valley Metro provided the following statement:

Valley Metro also said they’re supposed to have 110 security guards patrolling the light rail. They have 46 vacancies. They’ve recently increased their pay and benefits package to attract new employees and fill 46 vacancies.

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