UTA police arrest man in Ogden who allegedly used drugs, punched windows, sprayed mace in TRAX train | Gephardt Daily
OGDEN, Utah, Oct. 6, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) -- A passenger who allegedly boarded a TRAX train in Provo without paying fare was arrested by Utah Transit Authority police in Ogden after he allegedly smoked marijuana on the train, punched train windows and sprayed a can of mace on the train's seats and ceiling.
The man was identified as Alexander Garcia, 26, by his Utah I.D. card, his arrest documents say.
"On Oct. 5, 2024, at approximately 2240 hours, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Police Officers were dispatched on a disorderly conduct complaint onboard a northbound Frontrunner train arriving at the Ogden train station at 2345 S. Wall Ave., Ogden," the affidavit says.
"Dispatched information given was a male passenger onboard train car #216 was acting erratically and punching the window. The male also pulled something out and sprayed something all over the seats of the car."
Garcia was found sitting on the mid-level of the train.
"Lying on the aisle floor next to Garcia was what appeared to be an electronic tablet that had the screen shattered. There was the strong and distinct odor of burnt marijuana in the air along with another pungent type odor. There was what appeared to be wet marks on the ceiling consistent with some type of liquid recently sprayed.
"A witness told officers Garcia had been shouting profanities and smashing the tablet against the table, then took out a spray can and sprayed, what was described as mace, all over the seats and ceiling. The witness stated this made his eyes burn and caused him to leave the area of the train. The witness said he contacted police because he thought Garcia was going to harm someone by the way he was acting."
Garcia was arrested for investigation of:
Garcia agreed to a post-Miranda interview. During the interview, Garcia admitted he knew he needed a ticket for the train and rode the train from Provo to Ogden. He said he did not buy a ticket because he did not have money. Garcia admitted he used the pipes to smoke marijuana and had marijuana with him.
"Garcia stated he got upset on the train because soap and toothpaste got all over the inside of his backpack, so he started punching his tablet and hitting it on the table smashing the glass screen. Garcia stated he was cleaning soap off his mace can when it started spraying out on the train."
Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.
