A man was arrested Thursday on a Washington, D.C. Metrobus after police discovered he was carrying a loaded shotgun while attempting to evade fare payment. The arrest occurred on a busy afternoon and has raised serious concerns about safety on public transportation.
Metro Transit Police officers were conducting routine fare checks when they approached the suspect, who had boarded a bus in the southeast part of the city. The 29-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, tried to bypass the fare system, prompting officers to confront him. As the officers detained the suspect for fare evasion, they found a loaded shotgun hidden in a bag he was carrying.
Authorities say the firearm, which was fully loaded and had a round chambered, was immediately confiscated. The suspect was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and fare evasion.
“The discovery of a loaded weapon during a routine fare check is extremely concerning,” said Lieutenant Alicia Thomas of the Metro Transit Police. “Our officers acted quickly and decisively to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent what could have been a dangerous situation.”
The arrest caused brief delays for Metrobus passengers, but police worked swiftly to clear the area and continue their investigation. The suspect did not resist arrest and was taken into custody without further incident. Police later confirmed that no additional weapons were found in his possession or on the bus.
This arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and security on Washington, D.C.’s public transportation system. Local authorities have been stepping up patrols and fare enforcement to combat rising crime and ensure the safety of passengers, especially amid concerns about illegal weapons and violent crime in the city.
The suspect is currently in custody, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Metro Transit Police are also reviewing surveillance footage from the bus to gather more details about the suspect’s behavior and any possible links to other crimes.
In the wake of the arrest, Metro officials are reassured that their increased vigilance on public transportation has helped prevent a potentially dangerous incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures on public transit systems.