Teen Kidnapped at Bethesda Station, Sexually Assaulted at Mall

BETHESDA, MD — A 16-year-old boy was kidnapped, forced onto a Red Line train and sexually abused by a Washington, D.C., man this week, Metro officials say.

The incident happened about 3 p.m. May 23 at the Bethesda Metro station.

Dominick Simons, 25, of Washington, DC, is charged with first-degree sex abuse, robbery and kidnapping, according to Metro Transit Police.

After facing criticism for not notifying the public about the attack until Friday, WMATA officials said they had ordered police to share information about violent attacks the same day they happen, unless it jeopardizes solving the case.

Police say the case against Simons took time to solve because the boy at first only reported took the teen’s phone as they walked into the Bethesda Metro station. Later, he admitted to police that the suspect told him he had a gun and threatened to shoot him, NBC Washington reports, and ordered the victim onto a Red Line train to Friendship Heights.

Simons reportedly ordered the victim into a bathroom at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, where he sexually assaulted the youth. When the boy threatened to scream, Simons left him leave and the teen fled.

Police said the teenager didn't initially tell officers he had been sexually assaulted, because "he felt ashamed and embarrassed," NBC reports.

Simons was arrested later Monday at Gallery Place Metro station on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, Metro Transit Police said, with the abuse charged added Friday. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing June 2, WTOP reports.