Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 12, 2014
Metro Transit Police arrest alleged "cell phone flasher"
Suspect has history of inappropriate acts on Metro
An accused “cell phone flasher” has been arrested by Metro Transit Police in connection with several recent incidents on the Metrorail system.
Metro Transit Police today announced new charges against Steven Andrew Slaughter, 22, of Washington, DC, for alleged lewd acts and an assault that occurred in January.
Starting in mid-January, Metro Transit Police detectives became aware of a series of incidents in which a male subject would approach female passengers on the Metrorail system and show them a lewd photograph of himself on his cell phone screen. In some cases, the suspect would approach victims claiming that he was raising money for a youth organization.
Slaughter was identified using Metro’s high-definition video surveillance footage, as well as witness statements and reports.
At the time of the incidents, between January 14 and 23, Slaughter was on pre-trial release for a several cases in DC Superior Court, including a charge of lewd, indecent or obscene act for masturbating aboard a Red Line train, and a second charge of simple assault from an alleged incident at Woodley Park Station in which he lifted a woman’s skirt.
The judge in the prior cases ordered Slaughter to stay off Metro, except for travel to court or case-related activity.
On January 24, Slaughter pled guilty to the earlier charges. On February 7, he was sentenced to one year of supervised probation.
In the recent cases, Slaughter is charged with two counts of contempt because the alleged incidents took place while the “stay away” order was in effect. In addition, he is charged with one new count of simple assault for allegedly spitting on a Good Samaritan who attempted to intervene when a victim was being harassed aboard a Red Line train.
“This case shows a clear pattern of disturbing and unacceptable behavior,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik. “Sexual harassment, inappropriate touching and lewd behavior have absolutely no place on Metro, and we will use all tools at our disposal to arrest those who commit such acts.”
Metro Transit Police offers several ways for riders to report harassment or sexually inappropriate activity. An online web form – wmata.com/harassment – sends important information to Metro Transit Police detectives. In addition, riders can contact Metro Transit Police 24 hours a day via text message to MyMTPD (696873) or by calling (202) 962-2121. Victims can remain anonymous if they wish.
In addition, Transit Police remind all passengers that solicitation of donations is illegal on Metro. Most reputable organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, do not use so-called “on-foot” peddlers.
Slaughter is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, February 14 at 9 a.m.
News release issued at 10:13 am, February 12, 2014.