Today, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers arrested a man who was carrying a rifle in the park across from Union Station.
“See something, say something’ is not just an empty slogan. We are grateful for the individual who alerted our officer to the man with a gun in the park,” said USCP Chief Tom Manger. “These cops immediately ran toward the man with the loaded gun. As always — I am proud of our cops.”
On Tuesday, at approximately 12:40 p.m., a witness alerted a USCP officer that a man with a rifle was walking in the park across from Union Station — the area of the park near Delaware Avenue and Columbus Circle, NE. The officer called for backup, which quickly arrived.
Officers spotted the man carrying a rifle in one hand, so they demanded that he drop the gun. When the man refused, an assisting USCP officer tased the suspect, so officers could take the gun and make the arrest. The park was temporarily closed while investigators searched the area and the suspect’s belongings.
The suspect has been identified as 21 year old Ahmir Lavon Merrell of Atlanta, GA. Police records show he has a warrant for a probation violation out of Georgia.
While the investigation continues, it is not yet clear what Merrell was doing in Washington, D.C. So far he is being charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unregistered Ammunition, Unregistered Firearm, Fugitive from Justice, and Unlawful Activities.
NOTE: This year, so far, the United States Capitol Police has confiscated more than 30 guns. All weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds — even if you have a gun that is legally registered in another state, or the District of Columbia.
Originally published at https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/uscp-officers-arrest-man-rifle-thanks-citizen-tip
