“Metro Transit Police arrest suspect who exposed himself to kids” … “the kids were very upset that not a single adult on the train came to their defense”

via Metro Transit Police

Ed. Note: I think it’s important to read this whole post through to the end. Twice. There is a lot to unpack here, on many levels. And props/respect to the Metro Transit Police Detective who worked this case.

“Dear PoPville,

My son and his friends took video of him. As the video ends, you can hear the kids freaking out because they say he took his penis out of his pants.

Here’s what REALLY grabbed my attention about this…the kids were very upset that not a single adult on the train came to their defense. He said there were at least 20 other people in the car with them. I can’t imagine not at least standing up and telling this guy to leave the kids alone.

I also want this to become a topic in DC parents’ minds. They should talk with their kids about riding public transportation and how to react if someone approaches them or behaves inappropriately. My son and his friends almost didn’t tell me because they were so upset and ashamed that this happened and kinda blamed themselves. One of his female friends was terrified that her dad would find out and she would “get in trouble.” That blew my mind. And it’s worth mentioning that the station manager at Union Station laughed at them when they got off the train and tried to report it to them. That probably added to their shame.

The detective we spoke to was really sweet to the kids and told them (and us parents) that they may feel a certain way about it today but things might be different tomorrow or in a few days because that’s how trauma works.

The detective wanted to make sure all the kids had the text tip info. If they don’t want to cause a scene but want to report something that makes them feel weird or unsafe, they can text 696-873

From Metro Transit Police:

“Metro Transit Police arrest suspect who exposed himself to juveniles

Metro Transit Police have arrested William S. DIENNO, 31, on charges of Lewd, Indecent or Obscene Acts (DC Code § 22-1312) following an incident that occurred aboard a Red Line train yesterday afternoon.

Shortly before 5 p.m., a 12-year-old female reported that she and a friend, a 12-year-old male, were riding aboard a Red Line train between Woodley Park and Gallery Place when the suspect approached them. According to the report, the suspect asked the girl, “Can I have sex with you?” Separately, the suspect allegedly requested sex from the male juvenile and asked inappropriate questions of a sexual nature.

The juveniles reported that when the suspect exited the train at Gallery Place, he exposed himself to them through the train windows. The juveniles provided officers with a description of the suspect, which was used to obtain images from Metro’s digital surveillance system.

A short time later, MTPD officers at Union Station located an individual in the food court area who matched the suspect’s description and surveillance images. The officers followed the suspect into the Metro station where he was stopped and subsequently positively identified by both juveniles.

DIENNO is also believed to have fare evaded multiple times yesterday.”