Lansing, MI – A late-night train ride through Eaton County turned chaotic when an intoxicated passenger allegedly went on a rampage, attacking crew members and terrifying passengers onboard.
According to Michigan State Police, the incident unfolded around 10:40 p.m. on March 8 aboard a stopped Amtrak train near Sand Road in Bellevue Township. Employees called 911 after a 32-year-old DeWitt man began acting erratically, reportedly upset over a delay.
Troopers say the suspect started running up and down the train, shouting and causing alarm among passengers who feared for their safety. When Amtrak employees attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, the man allegedly became even more aggressive.
Investigators say the suspect turned violent, assaulting two train employees as they tried to separate him from others onboard.
With the situation spiraling, Amtrak staff took matters into their own hands—physically restraining the suspect using zip ties until state troopers arrived.
Police said the man appeared highly intoxicated and continued complaining about the delay and lack of a refund even after being subdued.
He was taken into custody and lodged at the Eaton County Jail. Prosecutors have authorized two counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer. Authorities noted that Amtrak personnel had law enforcement authority at the time of the incident, allowing those charges to be issued.
The suspect was later arraigned in 56A District Court and released on bond. He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on March 23 at 8:30 a.m.
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