Police have arrested the teenager they say attacked a 69-year-old man at the Eastern Market Metro station last month.
Elijah Smith, 19, of Silver Spring, was taken into custody Monday night, the Metro Transit Police Department said on Twitter.
The victim told police that Smith shoved him as they exited an Orange Line train on April 24. The two can be seen in surveillance video exchanging words on the escalator.The suspect then waits at the top of the escalator and spits in the older man's face. The suspect then hit the victim in the face and head until he fell to the ground.
Police say this isn’t Smith’s first brush with the law. He is currently on probation for attacking a Silver Spring actor after a May 2014 performance, leaving the actor in the hospital.
News4’s Jackie Bensen also learned that Smith allegedly attacked another person on Metro a year ago, but was let go after the victim couldn’t identify him.
Police say if Smith is convicted in this most recent assault, he may face a tougher punishment, as D.C. law allows for enhanced penalties if a victim is over 65.
