A Minnesota police bureau chief was fined $228 after a wrong turn led to a train colliding with her SUV. Ganesha Martin, 48, received the citation for property damage on Saturday after her vehicle was hit by a Metro Transit light rail train in Minneapolis.
Officers from the Metro Transit police responded to the crash scene around 3:30 p.m., as reported by Alpha News. Martin, who joined her role in Minneapolis about a year ago, told officers she did not realize the road ended and turned to avoid the train.
According to dispatch audio obtained by the outlet, an officer stated: "After reviewing cameras the car was driving on the LRT tracks and was in the intersection against the traffic signals when the crash occurred." Martin was driving a 2023 Chevy Tahoe with Minnesota license plates, which sources said was a City of Minneapolis vehicle.
No injuries were reported, but Martin was cited for misdemeanor trespassing on railroad tracks and petty misdemeanor failure to obey a traffic signal, according to Alpha News. The Metro Transit police requested the crash be reported as property damage rather than an injury crash.
Martin describes herself as an advocate for police reform and "regularly speaks and trains on DOJ consent decrees, police reform and accountability and public safety," according to her website. Former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake called Martin "strategic," adding: "Her intellect, hard-working humility and heart for her community is a rare combination to find."
Martin was also selected by the International Chiefs of Police as Top 40 under 40 and advocate of the year by the Baltimore Community Mediation Center. The National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety states she is "known for her ability to navigate complex issues and overcome entrenched distrust."
The association adds: "Martin is driven by a belief in the transformative power of communication and human connection. Her approach fosters collaboration across polarized groups and drives progress on some of society's most challenging social issues. Outside of her professional work, Martin is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment."
The Daily Mail reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police, and Ganesha Martin for comment.
