Metro Transit Police announce arrest in felony assault of bus operator

This evening, Metro Transit Police (MTPD) arrested Michael S. Powell, Jr., 27, of Alexandria, Va., on charges of malicious bodily injury, a Virginia class 3 felony, and misdemeanor assault and battery following an assault on a Metrobus operator at Huntington Station last week.

The incident occurred shortly before midnight Wednesday, April 25. Powell is accused of punching a female bus operator on a 10A Metrobus following an earlier dispute between the two parties at the Braddock Road Metrorail Station. Powell is also accused of assaulting a passenger as he attempted to exit the bus during the attack.

Following the assault, Metro Transit Police and Fairfax County Police responded and canvased the area with negative results. The victims (bus operator and passenger) sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger declined medical treatment.

Metro Transit Police detectives used video footage from aboard the bus, combined with other investigative tools, to identify Powell. All Metrobuses are equipped with digital camera systems.

A warrant was obtained by MTPD last night, and Powell was arrested by the MTPD officers without incident this evening. He will be arraigned in Fairfax County Circuit Court.