In yet another incident adding to the rising wave of safety problems plaguing public transit in Los Angeles, a security guard was stabbed and an alleged trespasser was shot dead at a Metro station in Hollywood on Tuesday morning.

According to Los Angeles Police Department Officer Drake Madison, the incident occurred at around 9:10 a.m. on the platform of the Metro station located at 1500 N. Vermont Ave. The Metro security guard encountered the trespasser during a routine security sweep of a non-public area at the Vermont/Sunset Station.

In a statement, Metro explained that an altercation ensued after the guard found the trespasser, leading the Contract Security Guards to initially employ pepper spray. However, the situation escalated when the trespasser stabbed one of the Contract Security Guards in the leg. In self-defense, another Contract Security Guard fired a weapon, resulting in the trespasser's demise.

The alleged trespasser, believed to be in his 40s, was later discovered unconscious and not breathing about a block away from the incident at De Longpre and Vermont avenues.

Following the incident, the injured guard was immediately taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

This incident comes in the wake of a series of high-profile attacks in the Los Angeles Metro system. Previously, there was a fatal stabbing of a woman at a Universal City Metro station, as well as an incident where a bus driver was accosted by a homeless woman.

These incidents have raised serious concerns over the safety and security of public transit in Los Angeles, prompting authorities to evaluate existing safety measures and implement stronger security protocols.

The Los Angeles Metro has vowed to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and employees. It remains to be seen what specific steps will be taken to address these mounting concerns and prevent further violent incidents in the future.