WASHINGTON — Metro Transit Police have filed a felony assault charge against a man they say punched a 69-year-old rider on the escalator at the Eastern Market Metro station last week.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Elijah Smith, of Northeast D.C., and they are asking for the public’s help locating him.
Police say that Smith spit on the man and punched him three times, causing the victim to collapse near the top of the escalator at the Eastern Market Metro station on April 24.
Before the assault, police say Smith pushed the victim as they exited the train. The victim and Smith allegedly had a verbal spat as they rode on the escalator.
The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries he suffered in the attack.
If convicted, Smith could face an enhanced sentence because of the victim’s age, police say.
Anyone with information about Smith’s whereabouts is asked to call Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.
See a video of the attack:
