La Jolla

Sleeping man allegedly slashed aboard MTS Trolley near La Jolla, University City

MTS says they are actively working to increase the number of officers who have the power to detain people

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San Diego police originally said the suspect was a Black man wearing black clothing but on Wednesday changed that description to a Black woman wearing matching red sweatshirt and sweatpants โ€” Ed.

San Diego police are still looking for the man who allegedly slashed a sleeping passenger aboard the MTS Trolley near the Nobel Drive Station on Sunday evening, according to the agency.

Around 5:11 p.m., a man described as 5' 9'' and wearing all black clothing allegedly sliced the 21-year-old victim in the chest at 3400 Nobel Dr., traveling between La Jolla Village and University City, the San Diego Police Department said.

Police were still searching for the suspect as of 9 p.m. Sunday, according to SDPD Officer John Buttle.

The victim was taken to the hospital. His condition is not yet known, police said.

Security and safety on public transit becomes top priority, after a sleeping MTS passenger was slashed with a knife.

MTS sent the following statement regarding the incident to NBC 7:

"MTS is fully cooperating with the San Diego Police Department as they conduct their investigation for this incident. No delays to service were experienced due to this incident.  As this is an active law enforcement investigation, please contact SDPD for any further comment."

MTS is also working to increase the number of security officers patrolling the trolley, the agency added.

"The agency is actively hiring for Code Compliance Inspectors (CCIs). CCIs have powers of detainment and can issue citations to fare evaders. MTS hopes to have this role fully staffed in the next nine months," MTS said.

This is a developing story. NBC 7's digital team will continue to update this page with more information as it arrives.

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