Harassed on Metro: “I’ve Been So Worried About Running Into Him Again That I Changed My Route”
Location: L’Enfant Plaza Metro – Southbound yellow line
Time: Night (7:30pm-12am)
A man, late 20s-late 30s, dark hair, gray or black shirt and pants, approached me on the train platform Aug. 27. He asked me if I was a teacher because of the badge I was wearing. (I’m not.) He told me he worked in “sales” and was looking for a new job, and did I know of any? He [said he was] born in London and educated in Australia. He had a slight accent, but it was neither English nor Australian. He repeated the Australia/England connection several times. He badgered me with increasingly personal questions – name, occupation, was I single? Where was I going? Where did I work? What kind of work did I do? How could he contact me? Where was I going? Why wouldn’t I give him my contact info? Was I getting on the yellow line? Where was I headed?
He grew more aggressive in his tone the more I told him I was uncomfortable and to please stop talking to me. I was so rattle and fearful, I waited until he had boarded the train before I got into a different car. Even with that, I didn’t feel safe and called to have someone meet me on the platform at my destination. I’ve been so worried about running into him again I’ve switched up the train I take, stand in different spots on the platform, and keep an eye out for him. I reported to Metro Transit Police through the online form.
Submitted 8/29/14 by “VM.”
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