A MetroAccess driver was arrested Wednesday in the alleged sexual assault of a 51-year-old woman, becoming the second contractor for Metro’s paratransit service to face the charge this week.
Police said after her trip, the woman had reported a lost cell phone to MetroAccess. Pino Estrada showed up at her home the next day, police said, and told her he was returning the phone. He then asked if he could use her restroom, and when he exited, he asked for a hug, police said. When she declined, Pino Estrada hugged her anyway, “took her into another room and allegedly began to sexually assault her,” police said.
Police said the victim was able to push Pino Estrada away and he eventually left. The woman reported the incident to police on June 30. Pino Estrada turned himself in Wednesday, police said.
Pino Estrada worked for Diamond Transportation, one of three contractors that provide drivers for Metro’s paratransit service. He was hired by Diamond Transportation in March 2015, according to a Metro spokeswoman, who said his employment has been terminated.
On Tuesday, Prince George’s County Police arrested Derrick Lamont Bowen, 44, of Southeast Washington, in an alleged sexual assault aboard a MetroAccess vehicle. Police said the victim in that case was a woman with an intellectual disability. Bowen, who has been removed from working for MetroAccess, was employed through MetroAccess contractor Transdev.
The incidents were not believed to be related.
“I am deeply disturbed by these allegations, especially as they involve our customers with disabilities,” Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said in a statement.
Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly said all Metro contractors undergo background checks. The transit agency plans to address the incidents with its contractors, she said.
“We will be talking with our MetroAccess contractors to determine what if any further steps can be taken to protect riders,” she said.
This post has been updated.
