SWAT team enters AmTrak just after departing Redding
REDDING, Calif. — A woman described the chaotic scene on board an Amtrak train that was forced to make an unscheduled stop between Redding and Portland after a man allegedly made threats to harm himself and others. The train stopped for several hours at Odell Lake, near Shelter Cove Sunday, as authorities responded.
Veronica Angel was on board the Coast Starlight Sunday morning. She sent video to KRCR News Channel 7, showing members of the SWAT team moving through the train as the suspect was arrested.
Mason Lira, 25 of Fresno, was arrested for disorderly conduct and interfering with public transportation.
Authorities say train personnel contacted police around 11 a.m. after Lira allegedly made unusual gestures, statements about weapons and threats to passengers and the conductor.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight had left Redding Sunday morning headed north for Portland and Seattle.
Passenger Veronica Angel said initially the staff on the train told passengers the train was broken down. She said she had no idea a passenger had allegedly been making threats sitting on her side of the train.
"After being confused as to what was happening for four hours, a SWAT team came rushing in yelling for everyone to get down and pointing their guns," Angel said.
"All the passengers on my side of the train had to spend another (several) hours talking to the SWAT team about what happened."
Authorities said no weapons were found. The train with 272 passengers and 15 crew members was delayed for nearly five hours.
