Metro Transit Police have arrested Marcus Anthony Robertson, 43, of Washington, D.C., on charges of felony hoax in connection with two suspicious packages that were left at Metrorail stations Feb. 23.
At approximately 7:45 a.m,, Metro Transit Police responded to L'Enfant Plaza for a report of a suspicious item with a note on the Green/Yellow platform. The item was checked by MTPD K9, x-rayed by MTPD EOD (Explosive Ordinance) units, and DC Fire Hazmat personnel.
About ten minutes later, at 7:59 a.m., Metro Transit Police responded to Gallery Place for a similar suspicious item, which included a note and powdery substance, on the Red Line platform. Similar resources, including DC Fire Hazmat, responded to Gallery Place.
Both items were deemed to not pose a threat to the public. There was no significant impact to rail operations, and both stations remained open.
MTPD detectives were able to identify a person of interest using digital video systems, and a flash lookout was transmitted to transit police patrol officers.
Today, while on routine patrol at approximately 10:40 a.m., a MTPD officer recognized the suspect, subsequently identified as Robertson, and took him into custody without incident.
"This investigation demonstrates the power of our state-of-the-art camera systems, combined with good police work," said Metro Transit Police Chief Ronald Pavlik. "It also should serve as a warning to anyone considering committing a crime on Metro: There is a high likelihood that you will be identified."
In post-arrest questioning by MTPD detectives, ROBERTSON waived his Miranda rights and admitted to leaving the notes and the items at both L'Enfant Plaza and Gallery Place stations.
