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Metro police chief asks for independent review of tasing incident at U St. Metro station

In a viral video, Tapiwa Musonza was tased repeatedly after questioning officers who were arresting a group of juveniles.

WASHINGTON -- Metro Transit Police Chief Ron Pavlik is asking the U.S. Attorney's Office to independently review the evidence in the U Street arrest where one man was tased by Metro police. 

The incident happened shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday at the U Street Metro Station. 

Police said they'd received a report of disorderly juveniles threatening riders with sticks. In a statement, police said they juveniles were pointed out by witnesses. Police tried to take the boys into custody. 

RELATED: 'The man had done nothing' | Witness recalls U Street Metro taser incident

That's when 29-year-old Howard University grad Tapiwa Musonza stepped in to say something. 

Metro Transit Police repeatedly tased Musonza, who was questioning police on the platform. The incident was captured on camera and the video went viral. 

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On the video, you can see Musonza talking to two officers while they're holding another person on a bench. But another officer comes into frame and things escalate quickly.

The officer shoved Musonza back and then hit him repeatedly with a Taser.

Metro Transit Police say Musonza adopted a "fighting stance," and "exhibited behavior consistent with preparing to fight the officer," although that's not visible in the video. They said he was interfering with an investigation. But the juveniles were never detained and Musonza was.

RELATED: Charges dropped against man tased at Metro station

All charges against Musonza were dropped on Monday. He had been charged with assaulting an officer, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.  

The ACLU of DC is now calling for increased oversight of Metro Transit Police. 

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