Support Chineze's Recovery from Metro Transit Police Abuse

Hello, my name is mk. I am raising funds to support the recovery process of Chineze Okolo, a young relative who was violently assaulted and detained en route to work by Metro Transit Police Department on 3/18/25.

TLDR (too long, didn’t read) version:

Chineze was brutalized by MTPD, notably officer Shawn Renee Tubbs ID #: 222 on her way to work 3/18/25 and sustained a broken tooth and abrased hand. She has lost her employment, health insurance and cannot take public transportation without “trespassing” or drive due to her dominant hand being injured, yet now has many unprecedented expenses. Help by donating via this fundraiser or directly to the victim @chi-kolo Venmo or @cokolo8 PayPal. You can also share via social media.

change.org/oppose-brutality-help-chineze

tinyurl.com/submit-it-anon [email redacted]

#ChinezeWasGoingtoWork #blm #protectblackwomen #silenceisviolence

Detailed account:

On Tuesday, March 18th, 8:18AM at the U.S. Bank Stadium Light Rail Train Platform, 2 MTPD officers shoved Nigerian-American uni student Chineze off the Green Line train, alleging fare evasion, and asked to see her ID. Chineze remained silent and waited for the next train.

Officer Shawn Renee Tubbs #222 said, “You are under arrest.”

Chineze inquired, “What are the charges?”

The officers responded, “You are going to jail.” Not being detained and no charges being cited, Chineze began to walk to work.

The 2 officers grabbed Chineze, pulled her backwards, and began screaming in her face. Chineze tried to take out her phone to call her boss for help. Officer ST said “Grab her phone!” The other officer grabbed her phone, officer ST threw Chineze to the ground. The officers dug into Chineze’s pants near her extremities and pulled out a Byrna, a non-lethal self-defense weapon that Chineze conceal carries for protection. A permit is not required to own a Byrna.

Backup was called and 3+ male officers pressed their knees into Chineze’s back and in total, 5+ officers (750lbs) pinned down 1 <130lb person. Chineze was completely immobile and unable to resist. A white male officer pressed his knee into her back, took her head in both of his hands and repeatedly mashed her head into the concrete, breaking her tooth. Instead of telling the female officers to let go of her arms, he grabbed her right arm, dragged it against the cement and arrested her. The palm of her right hand was badly abrased, the skin was bleeding and hanging off. Chineze was not cited any charges or Mirandized.

In the back of a squad car, Chineze watched as countless officers took pictures of her items, namely her Metro Transit GoTo card while unlawfully attempting to interrogate her. Chineze was booked into Hennepin County Adult Detention Division in Downtown Minneapolis, on a “Probable Cause Hold 72 hours.” She was released the next day, Wednesday 3/19/25 with “No Bail Required.”

Chineze has been charged with “Carry/Possess Pistol w/out Permit - Gross Misdemeanor; Statute: 624.714.1a; Max 1yr imprisonment; $0-$3000 fine” and “Obstruct Legal Process - Lawful Execution - Misdemeanor; Statute: 609.50.1(1); Max 3mos imprisonment; $0-$1000 fine. Misdemeanor.” She was also given a “Trespass Notice 30 Days” for Metro Transit and thus cannot take the train or bus in the seven county metro region.

Hennepin County Medical Center has billed her $1127.70 for the CT scan, EKG, concussion/vitals check and ambulance. Chineze has sustained two injuries from the brutal assault, including a broken tooth (central incisor upper jaw right side) and abrased right hand.

Despite her innocence, she has to pay the unprecedented medical bills, rent, utilities, clothing, groceries and transportation costs. She is also preparing for the court date on 4/2/25 1:15PM.

Two of the many police officers involved:

Shawn Renee Tubbs (first assailant) ID #: 222

Paul Alfred Buzicky (Complainant) ID #: 119 badge #: 74381

Here are ways that Chineze is seeking your support:

If you witnessed this, send a tip anonymously via the form:

Email if you are press/sponsorship/general support/other parties may (not anonymous):

Sign this petition:

Thank you for reading!