Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Arrested in Virginia for Assaulting Women on Metro Trains
Metro Transit Police say a Maryland man wanted in connection with unwanted contact aboard Washington Metro trains has been arrested following a days-long search.
Officials identified the suspect as 28-year-old Bryan Betancur of Silver Spring, who was the subject of an active assault and battery arrest warrant stemming from alleged incidents on a Silver Line train near the Clarendon Metro Station on March 1.
Police had circulated images and asked riders to come forward after social media videos appeared to show a man touching multiple women’s hair aboard the train without their consent. Investigators said they were taking every lead seriously and urged anyone with footage or tips to contact Metro Transit Police.
Transit police announced that officers located and arrested Betancur late Monday night, though details of any formal charges filed since his intake have not yet been released.
Download a FREE Pocket Constitution NOW
“We are aware of videos circulating on social media depicting inappropriate behavior toward Metro customers and are actively investigating every lead,” police previously said in a statement as the search was underway.
Betancur previously served time on charges tied to his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack and was later pardoned, according to earlier reporting.
The arrest may ease commuter concerns about safety on the D.C. region’s transit system, but officials continue to review evidence from riders and surveillance footage as the case moves forward.
Police have encouraged anyone with additional photos or video related to the March 1 incident to contact Metro Transit Police immediately so investigations can be completed.
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.