WASHINGTON – A man was arrested Tuesday after traveling on a Metrobus with a loaded shotgun hidden beneath his jacket. Police discovered the gun as they were issuing the suspect a citation for fare evasion. 

According to Metro Transit Police, around 10:30 a.m., a plain-clothes bus enforcement officer saw the man get on a Metrobus without paying the fare. 

Officers stopped the man and attempted to issue him a citation but he refused to provide his identification and was subsequently placed under arrest and searched. 

During the search, officers found the loaded shotgun under his jacket. Police determined that the gun had been stolen out of Prince George’s County. 

The suspect was later identified as 30-year-old Gerald Evans. Police also found that Evans had an open felony warrant from the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office for theft.

He was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, fugitive from justice, and fare evasion.

WMATA said this was “an example of fare enforcement in action.” 

Just last month Metro announced that they would be increasing enforcement to crack down on people who take the bus but don’t pay. Officials previously said that nearly 70 percent of bus riders do not pay their fare.

In this case, that extra law enforcement presence led to a bigger bust, and a safer bus.

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