| |
RT Press Release
|
SacRT and Community are Shocked by Senseless Violence
|
|
|
|
CONTACT:
|
Wendy L.Williams
|
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
|
|
PHONE:
|
(916) 556-0300
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
|
Officials from Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) are shocked over news that a SacRT assigned sheriff’s deputy was injured in the line of duty last night. Sacramento Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Ladwig was shot by a 27-year old Sacramento man who was loitering at the Watt/I-80 light rail station. The four-year veteran of the force is in stable condition with major facial injuries.
“Our hearts are heavy and our prayers go out to Deputy Ladwig and his family,” said SacRT Director and Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna. “Deputy Ladwig was injured trying to make a difference in our community by helping to improve the Watt/I-80 Station. We owe him a debt of gratitude.”
The Watt/I-80 Station has been the focus of a major improvement effort over the past several months. Sacramento Police Lieutenant Lisa Hinz, Chief of Police for SacRT, recently instituted a three-pronged approach to reduce the station’s criminal element, which included increased law enforcement, a station improvement plan and a coordination with business owners and community groups in the area.
“This was a senseless act of violence and it simply will not be tolerated,” said Hinz. “Deputy Ladwig is a well-respected member of our team and we will honor his efforts by ensuring that Watt/I-80 be turned into a model station in the months ahead.”
Deputy Ladwig was on over-time when the shooting occurred in order to support increased patrols at the station that have been in effect for several weeks. Two transit agents have also been assigned to the Watt/I-80 Station on a permanent basis to maintain a uniformed presence. Additionally, Hinz is in the process of developing a station improvement plan by way of a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) study that was recently initiated.
Community involvement has been another key component of this major initiative. SacRT representatives and law enforcement officials met last week with leaders from the Watt Avenue Partnership and from Walk Sacramento to coordinate activities focused on improving pedestrian safety and security at the station.
“SacRT’s new team has been working diligently to make a difference at the Watt/I-80 light rail station.” said General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “This is the dark before the dawn, but we are confident our team will make a difference in the coming months as we work to implement a multi-pronged approach that is comprehensive. Deputy Ladwig’s commitment to our community is honorable and we will honor his efforts by ensuring our residents are safe at this station.”
SacRT recently began an adopt-a-station program in which each member of the district’s new executive team has committed to monitoring three stations for safety and cleanliness.
About Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
RT operates approximately 69 bus routes and 43 miles of light rail throughout Sacramento County, including the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove. Sacramento buses and light rail trains operate 365 days a year. SacRT's entire bus and light rail system is accessible to the disabled community. ADA services are provided under contract with Paratransit, Inc.
|
|
###
|
|
|
|
