A fare evasion stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun and the arrest of an adult male near the Silver Spring Metro station on Tuesday evening, according to 3rd District Commander Captain Jason Cokinos.
According to Cokinos, around 7:30 p.m. on December 2, officers from the Montgomery County Police Department’s 3rd District were conducting enforcement as part of the department’s Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force, which focuses on retail, transit, and public gathering areas throughout December.
Officers observed a man evading the fare at the Silver Spring Metro entrance. When they attempted to stop him, the suspect tried to run and struggled with officers during the encounter. Police were able to take him into custody, and a loaded handgun was recovered from his possession.
The task force operates throughout the month to increase visibility and prevent crime in Downtown Silver Spring during the busy holiday season. Police say the incident is an example of how proactive enforcement can lead to the interception of more serious offenses. Additional information about the suspect was not made available.
