Police: Teenage girl groped while riding Lextran bus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington police say a teenager experienced a terrifying ride after she was groped by another rider.

Police say  37-year-old Michael Williams Smith boarded a Lextran bus last month, and sat beside the 15-year-old girl. Court documents say Smith began a conversation with the minor and asked her questions about her age and her preference in partners. Police say the girl told them she told Smith more than once that she was 15 years-old. The report say the teen also asked Smith his age, which he responded that he was 20-years-old.

Court documents say Smith then began to move closer to the teen and grabbed her hand and held it for several minutes before letting go. Documents also say Smith continued his conversation with her as he put his hand on her thigh and began to grope her. Police say it was then the minor signaled the bus to stop. She reportedly got off the bus at Chevy Chase Plaza, just a few miles from her intended stop, and contacted police.

Police say the entire incident was captured on surveillance video. Police also say the footage supports the victim’s statement about Smith sexually abusing her on the bus. Court documents also revealed that Smith has been previously arrested over a similar incident.

Smith is now charged with first degree sexual abuse and is due in court Wednesday morning.