Crime & Safety
Metrobus Rider Who Punched Driver Identified, Arrested
An Alexandria man is facing charges for punching a Metrobus driver after missing his bus.
The man accused of punching a Metrobus driver in Huntington because he missed his bus has been identified and arrested. Michael S. Powell, Jr., 27, of Alexandria, was charged with malicious bodily injury and misdemeanor assault and battery for the April 25 assault on the driver at Huntington Metro Station.
ATU Local 689, the union representing Metro operators, got word from witnesses that the man had been upset about missing the bus at Braddock Road Metro, where he and the driver got into a dispute. Powell followed the bus to Huntington and confront the bus driver.
Metro Transit Police say Powell pushed another passenger who was trying to exit in addition to punching the driver. The punch was so strong, it broke the female driver's tooth, according to the union. A Metro spokesperson told WTOP the man fled after punching the driver.
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Metro Transit Police identified Powell as the suspect using video surveillance footage from the bus. He was arrested Tuesday night and will be arraigned in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Image via Metro Transit Police
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