Bus Rider Allegedly Threatens Officers With Pit Bull

REVERE, MA — A Dorchester 19-year-old is accused of encouraging his pit bull to attack Transit Police officers Saturday evening, in a situation that reportedly escalated until an entire busload of passengers was forced to disembark and switch buses.

At about a quarter to nine Saturday, Transit Police said they were called to the MBTA Wonderland station for reports of an aggressive pit bull on board a bus.

The bus driver reportedly told officers he and passengers felt unsafe due to the dog's behavior. His owner, later identified as Johnny Sadm, 19, allegedly refused to leave the bus, "using course and foul language" as he told officers they'd have to drag him and the dog off.

According to Transit PD, "... officers were forced to place the other passengers onto another bus. At this time Sadm exited the bus and walked into the bus way but rather then continuing on his way Sadm felt the need to shout out insults directed at the officers creating a tumultuous environment. Sadm then held his dog in an aggressive threatening manner and asked his dog, 'Do you want to eat them?' referring to the officers. Sadm was asked to vacate the station several times but refused and continued his threatening and disorderly conduct. Subsequently officers attempted to arrest Sadm however he violently resisted and attempted to swing his pit bull at the officers."

Eventually, Transit PD said, Sadm was "subdued and placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process."

Transit PD alleges Sadm had cocaine on him when he was arrested, and consequently was charged with Assault, Trespassing, Resisting Arrest and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

"The dog was released to a female companion," Transit PD said.

Image via Transit Police