Union Holds Press Conference to Commend Collecting Agent who Acted to Aid Police Officer

 

JULY 28 -- Stations Vice President Robert Kelley, joined by Secretary-Treasurer Richard Davis and more than a dozen other Local 100 members, heaped praise and thanks on the Collecting Agent who came to the aid of a police officer engaged in a violent struggle with an alleged fare-beater.

Appearing at the Union Hall Thursday morning, the Agent said he intervened after seeing the 16-year-old slam the officer to the ground and place the cop in a chokehold. “I was concerned about the safety of the officer, and for the public, if (the teen) grabbed his weapon,” the Agent, who requested anonymity, said.

“He could have killed the police officer, possibly could have grabbed his weapon.” The Agent pulled the 16-year-old’s arms away from the officer on at least a couple of occasions, helping until additional officers arrived.

“Our agent is a hero,” Kelley said. “It wasn’t his job, but he took initiative, and we commend him for that.”

Secretary-Treasurer Davis, representing Local 100 President Tony Utano, said: “On behalf of Tony Utano, we’d like to thank our Collecting Agent for his heroic efforts. He is a hero. The city as well should thank and praise him for his efforts.”

The brawl, which also involved the teen’s girlfriend and a female police officer, took place at the 125th St/Lex. Ave. station in Harlem on Saturday, July 23. Police said the officers first told the teens to leave the station after they skipped the fare, according to news reports. The teen was “verbally aggressive” with the police for several minutes and then assaulted the officers when they attempted to arrest him, according to news accounts. The Agent said he wasn't injured in the scuffle and has not taken time off.