A 15-year-old boy from Alexandria has been charged with armed robbery after allegedly assaulting and robbing a passenger on a Metro train earlier this month. Police say the teen used a firearm during the crime, which took place as the train traveled toward the King St-Old Town Metro station.
The Incident on the Train
According to a recently unsealed search warrant affidavit, the robbery occurred on Monday, August 4, just after 7 p.m. The victim was riding a Blue Line train between the Van Dorn Street and King Street stations when a masked suspect approached him from behind.
The teen allegedly placed the victim in a chokehold, struck him in the face, and pressed a black handgun into his body, demanding, “Give me everything.” The suspect then stole $300 in cash, an Apple Watch, and a Louis Vuitton backpack.
When the train reached King Street, the suspect fled. The victim suffered bruises but declined medical transport, Metro Transit Police said.
Surveillance and Timeline
Metro surveillance cameras captured the suspect boarding the train at 7:08 p.m. through a separate door from the victim. The affidavit provides a detailed timeline:
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The victim sat facing the back of the train, while the suspect sat facing forward.
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Moments later, the teen pulled his hood over his head, adjusted a surgical mask to hide his face, and approached the victim.
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Using his body weight, the suspect forced the victim into a chokehold. A brief struggle ensued before the victim managed to break free.
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The suspect then appeared to pick up a bag, place it over his shoulder, and continue to confront the victim.
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By 7:13 p.m., both the victim and suspect exited at King Street station.
The affidavit notes that the suspect kept one hand inside his sweatshirt pocket during the confrontation, which investigators believe concealed the firearm.
Escape and Identification
Following the robbery, surveillance video showed the suspect boarding a Metrobus. Investigators tracked his movements and confirmed he exited the bus in the 500 block of North Armistead Street.
Later, a woman identified as the teen’s grandmother confirmed to police that the individual captured on video was her grandson. Officers also linked him to an apartment in the 2300 block of Eisenhower Avenue, where he resides.
Charges and Detention
A detention order was issued for the 15-year-old, formally charging him with robbery using a firearm. Because of his age, authorities have not released his name.
Metro Transit Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of forensic reviews and evidence collection.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The robbery underscores growing concerns about transit safety across the Washington metropolitan region. Although violent crimes on Metro remain relatively rare compared to overall ridership numbers, incidents involving juveniles and firearms have raised alarm among law enforcement and passengers alike.
Authorities note that robberies on trains often occur quickly and in confined spaces, making them especially traumatic for victims. The fact that the alleged suspect is just 15 years old also highlights broader questions about youth involvement in violent crimes.
Police Response
Metro Transit Police said the arrest was made possible through the use of surveillance technology and community cooperation. By combining video footage with witness accounts and family confirmation, investigators were able to identify the suspect within days of the crime.
“This case demonstrates how quickly we can piece together evidence with the help of cameras, eyewitnesses, and community members,” one official said.
The teen remains in custody under the detention order while awaiting further court proceedings.
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