Armed Suspect Arrested After Threats On Metro Train From Herndon To Ashburn

ASHBURN, VA — A man authorities said was armed with knives threatened passengers on a train and groped a child has been charged with multiple crimes, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

About 5:18 p.m. Saturday, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Metro Transit Police of reports that a man was displaying a knife toward other passengers on a train traveling from Herndon to Ashburn.

Deputies met the train at Ashburn Station and evacuated the train car the suspect was on. Authorities then learned the man had also touched a 6-year-old child inappropriately, according to a department news release.

When deputies attempted to take the suspect — identified as Sergio Avalos Santiago, 37, of no fixed address — into custody, he resisted arrest, officials said.

A K9 was used to assist take Santiago into custody. Deputies seized two fully opened folding knives from him.

Santiago was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was later taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

According to the sheriff's office, Santiago has been charged with assault on law enforcement, carrying a concealed weapon, assault and battery of a child, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy Blackwood at 703-771-1021. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app.