Update on shooting aboard Metrorail train
Update 12/21/20: MTPD has concluded its initial investigation and turned over all available evidence to date to the State's Attorney's Office for review.
From 12/18/20:
Metro Transit Police today released a chronology of events that transpired on December 15th aboard a Red Line train, which left a passenger hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Based on the review of video cameras onboard the 7000-series train, it appears that an FBI agent discharged his weapon several times following a verbal exchange with a passenger.
"This matter is an active criminal investigation, and we are working closely with the Montgomery County, Maryland State's Attorney's Office," said Metro Transit Police Chief Ronald Pavlik, Jr. "We are continuing to collect and process evidence, including conducting interviews, to determine what happened on that train."
If there are any members of the public that may have witnessed the incident, please contact the MTPD Detective Branch at 301-955-5000.
While Montgomery County Police were first on the scene of the shooting, MTPD subsequently assumed the role of lead investigating agency for the incident. MTPD has held the train at a local rail yard for evidence processing, reviewed video footage from station and railcar cameras, reviewed the preliminary incident report from the rail control center, and taken statements from Metro employees, passengers, and others.
While the report is subject to confirmation of audio transcripts, MTPD's preliminary chronology of events is as follows:
- An adult male approached the FBI agent aboard a Metrorail car as it approached Medical Center Station.
- Following a verbal exchange, multiple shots were fired by the agent, striking the passenger.
- The gunshot victim and FBI agent both exited the train on the platform at Medical Center at approximately 6:41 a.m.
- Another passenger reports the shooting to 911, as well as to the Station Manager using the emergency call button on the pylon at Medical Center.
- The station manager notified the Rail Operations Control Center at approximately 6:44 a.m. that a shooting victim was located on the platform and requested medics.
- ROCC identified the incident train and made radio contact with the train operator, who was unaware the shooting had occurred.
- Montgomery County Police, the NIH Division of Police, Metro Transit Police, the FBI, and paramedics responded to the scene at Medical Center.
- MTPD was dispatched at approximately 6:47 a.m. to intercept the incident train, which was traveling between Friendship Heights and Tenleytown.
- The incident train arrived at Tenleytown at approximately 6:49 a.m., and was instructed to hold. Metro Transit Police and the FBI processed the rail car for evidence.
- The victim was transported from Medical Center to a local hospital at approximately 7:06 a.m. and is currently in stable condition.
"We are committed to transparency and releasing as many facts as we can without compromising this criminal investigation" Pavlik said. "We expect to provide another update on Monday."