The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman for assaulting two Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) employees after she could not get on the bus due to overcrowding.
On October 29th at 4pm, deputies responded to the area of 13000 North 27th Street in Tampa for reports of two HART employees being battered by 36-year-old Tamara West.
Upon arrival, deputies learned that West attempted to board a HART bus that was at full capacity. The HART supervisor on the scene instructed the bus to proceed due to overcrowding.
Through investigative means, deputies discovered that West was mad because she was not able to get on the bus, and intentionally hit both employees in their faces and arms and spat on both.
“Violence against our public service workers is unacceptable; they deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are committed to protecting those who serve our community and will hold accountable anyone who threatens their well-being.”
West fled the Central Florida scene on foot before deputies arrived but was later located and taken into custody. She was facing charges including Burglary of Conveyance with Assault or Battery, Battery on Public Transit Employee, and Battery on a Licensed Security Officer, according to local law enforcement.
