Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 3, 2004

Metro transit police honor officers of the year

Officers of the quarter also named

Metro Transit Police Officers Steven L. Smith and Anthony L. Weaver were honored as the 2003 Transit Police Officers of the Year at a recent ceremony for the investigative work they did which resulted in the apprehension of three felons. While on routine patrol, Officer Smith received a radio call for a robbery that had occurred at the Glenmont Metrorail station where the complainants told the officers they had been beaten and robbed of a portable CD player by three teenage males. The victims also provided a description of their assailants. Shortly thereafter, Officer Weaver arrived on the scene to assist. The transit officers put out a broadcast message regarding the incident and searched the area. The officers escorted the complainants to the Wheaton Metrorail station when they explained that they were fearful for their safety following the incident. Upon arriving at the Wheaton Metrorail station, the officers received a radio call for a fight in progress in the bus bay at that station, so they quicky ran to the bus bay area where three customers reported being beaten up by three subjects who were in an adjacent bus shelter. As the officers approached the subjects, they attempted to flee. Two were quickly apprehended after a brief struggle and the third was apprehended by Officer Smith after a foot chase. The original robbery victims positively identified the three suspects, who were charged with three counts of second degree assault and strong armed robbery. Metro Transit Police also honored Officers John S. Wynkoop and David D. Hall as " Officers of the Fourth Quarter" for their investigative work which resulted in getting dangerous criminals off the street. One evening late last year, Officers Wynkoop and Hall responded to a report of an armed robbery at the West Hyattsville Metrorail station. During their comprehensive canvassing of the area, they identified a witness who provided them with information on the possible whereabouts of the suspects. The officers tracked down the three suspects at an apartment complex in Hyattsville. The victim was able to make a positive identification and a subsequent search resulted in the recovery of weapons used to commit the crime. Upon transporting the suspects to the booking facility, the officers obtained written confessions implicating the suspects in the robbery. It was later learned that the suspects were members of a notoriously violent street gang with a lengthy history of criminal behavior. " These are examples of excellent police work which demonstrate the dedication and professionalism of our police department," said Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. " Officers of the Year Smith and Weaver exemplify the type of commitment our officers have to following up and getting the job done. Additionally, Officers Wynkoop and Hall, as our " Officers of the Quarter," demonstrate the positive results of strong police work."

News release issued on March 3, 2004.