Man Arrested at Gallery Place Metro After Assaulting Officer During Fare Evasion Stop

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A routine fare evasion stop at Gallery Place Metro Station escalated into a serious incident Wednesday night after a man allegedly assaulted a Metro Transit Police officer, leading to his arrest and the recovery of a firearm.

According to the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), officers stopped the suspect after he entered the station without paying fare. The incident quickly developed when officers discovered the man had open warrants in Maryland and was carrying a handgun.

Suspect Identified as 20-Year-Old Zion Peters

Police have identified the suspect as Zion Peters, 20. Officials say Peters was initially stopped for fare evasion, but a check of his records revealed a warrant out of Hyattsville, Maryland, tied to a robbery and attempted murder investigation.

As officers attempted to detain him, Peters allegedly assaulted one of the officers before being taken into custody. During a search conducted after his arrest, police found a handgun concealed on his person.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

MTPD has not yet released details on formal charges, a court appearance date, or whether Peters will be extradited to Maryland to face charges related to the Hyattsville warrant. It is also unclear if he has legal representation at this time.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and more information may be released in the coming days as the legal process unfolds.

Safety and Enforcement in the Transit System

The incident highlights growing safety concerns and the challenges faced by transit police across Washington’s Metro system. Fare evasion is often treated as a minor offense, but in this case, it led to the apprehension of a suspect with serious charges and a concealed weapon.

MTPD reiterated that fare enforcement is a critical part of maintaining system safety. Officers are often trained to handle situations that go beyond fare violations, especially when they encounter individuals with outstanding warrants or weapons.

Public Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity

Metro Transit Police are encouraging the public to report any suspicious behavior or unsafe activity they may observe in the transit system. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the MTPD Text Tip Line by texting “MyMTPD” to 696873.