911 Tapes of BART Arrest Released

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- BART officials Monday night released the 911 calls made during the confrontation between a passenger and a transit police officer at the West Oakland station on Saturday night.

During the calls, witnesses described the passenger, identified as Michael Gibson, 37, of San Leandro, as unruly, loud, and harassing other BART riders.

Transit authorities say they hope the 911 calls will encourage other witnesses to the arrest to come forward.

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(Warning: Video Contains Graphic Language, Footage)

KCBS’ Chris Filippi Reports

Recording of 911 Calls

Passenger Was Arrested Earlier That Day

KCBS has learned that Gibson was arrested by Daly City Police just hours before the BART confrontation. He was apparently cited for assault and battery over a disturbance aboard a SamTrans bus, according to police Lieutenant Jay Morena.

Morena said Gibson was taken off the bus at Serramonte Center at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday after allegedly assaulting another passenger.

"When the officers arrived, they discovered that an 84-year-old Daly City resident had apparently been assaulted by a fellow passenger who was later identified as 37-year-old Michael Gibson of San Leandro," said Morena.

The victim told police that Gibson was staring at him and talking to himself. That's when the elderly man tried to leave the bus.

"As he turned and got off his seat and started to walk towards the exit of the bus, Mr. Gibson allegedly kicked him in his rear end," said Morena.

The victim was not seriously hurt. Gibson was cited for misdemeanor assault and released. He could also face an elder abuse charge.

Meanwhile, Gibson's sister said the police officer used excessive force on a mentally ill man.

The Saturday evening incident was caught on cell phone video and posted online. It shows a BART police officer pulling Gibson off a train at West Oakland station and pushing the suspect toward a wall with glass windows.

The glass broke, causing injuries to both men. The officer was said to have suffered a concussion.

KCBS Team Coverage: BART Passenger Arrest

The suspect's sister, Lisa Gibson, said the officer was being overly aggressive when he grabbed her brother, who has bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Gibson remains in custody on suspicion of battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

BART police say the matter is under investigation.

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