Andra Vance, Excessive Force, Washington 2023
Ex-D.C. Metro Cop Gets Prison Time for Beating Unarmed Rider
Washington, D.C. - Former Washington, D.C., Metro Transit Police (MTPD) Officer Andra Vance was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release for unlawfully beating an unarmed transit rider with a metal baton on February 16, 2018.
The violent incident occurred when the victim, identified only by their initials D.C., attempted to use an invalid Metro card to board a train at the Anacostia Metro station. When the card was confiscated by Metro Transit personnel, D.C. became angry and complained to Vance. D.C. briefly walked away from the fare gate and when they returned, Vance used his metal baton to hit D.C. in the head without legal justification.
A fellow officer who witnessed the assault testified that D.C. was not a threat to Vance or anyone else at the Anacostia Metro Station at the time that Vance struck D.C. in the head. D.C. was taken to Howard University Hospital where they were treated for injuries to their head.
Assisting in the prosecution of the case were Trial Attorney Maura White of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gauri Gopal for the District of Columbia.
“This sentencing should make clear that officers who abuse their authority will be held accountable, regardless of whether their actions occur on public streets or inside public transit systems,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “The department will continue to aggressively prosecute law enforcement officers who willfully violate the civil rights of our community members.”
“MTPD strongly condemns the actions of any officer who abuses their authority in the use of excessive force. This case is an aberration against the good MTPD officers who keep the system safe for our customers and employees every day,” said MTPD Chief Michael Anzallo.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant/Respondent: Andra Vance
- Exact Criminal Charges: Unlawfully beating an unarmed transit rider with a metal baton
- City and State: Washington, D.C.
- Exact Date: February 16, 2018
- Sentence or Outcome: One year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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