Man Spreading White Powder Closes Several Metro Stations

John Matthews
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Several Metro stations along the Orange and Blue lines were closed Monday morning after a man sprinkled white powder in several places at the Eastern Market stations, then sprinkled more in an elevator at Metro Center.

Rail service was suspended between the Stadium-Armory and Federal Center SW stations as fire crews tested the powder and found it was not harmful. Service was restored about an hour later, though trains continued to bypass the Eastern Market station so the station could be cleaned.

Metro Transit Police issued a pair of tweets with images of the man suspected ot spreading the powder:

Suspicious Substance Investigation: Person shown here spread unknown white powder substance on benches at Eastern Market, then took train to Metro Center where he exited via elevator. If you see him or have info on his ID, call MTPD at 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873) #wmata pic.twitter.com/yDxYQjs6mY

— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) December 31, 2018

Suspicious Substance UPDATE: @dcfireems tests found the powder at Eastern Market is NOT hazardous & cleanup is underway. Train service resuming; will continue to bypass Eastern Market while cleaning. Additional pic of person of interest attached. Call 202-962-2121 w/info #wmata pic.twitter.com/BAlgquw9ru

— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) December 31, 2018