Attempted Metrobus Hijacking In PG County: WMATA

NEW CARROLLTON, MD -- A man armed with a knife who tried to hijack a Metrobus in New Carrollton Wednesday evening after trying to rob a passenger has been arrested, Metro says.

Tariq Kirkland, 38, boarded the F4 Metrobus in the 7700 block of Riverdale Road, brandishing a knife at a passenger in an attempted robbery, according to a report from WMATA.

"Upon hearing commotion from the rear of the bus, the Metrobus operator pulled over, secured the bus, and notified the Bus Operations Control Center to initiate an emergency response," the report states. "At that time, the suspect began to walk toward the front of the bus brandishing the knife and ordered the driver and 16 passengers to exit the bus. The suspect then sat in the driver’s seat in an attempt to take control of the bus. However, the bus did not move because it is equipped with a security feature that prevents an unauthorized person from taking control."

The operator of the bus flagged down a passing Prince George's County police officer, who was able to detain the suspect until Metro Transit Police could arrive to take him into custody.

Kirkland faces charges of attempted armed carjacking, attempted robbery, and first degree assault.