Suspect arrested in Brookland Metro shooting that left 14-year-old dead, police say
Father of teen killed at Brookland Metro station speaks out after suspect arrested
The father of 14-year-old Avion Evans, who was shot and killed at the Brookland Metro station last week, tells FOX 5 that two of Avion's brothers also lost their lives to street violence and says something needs to be done to protect D.C.'s youth.
WASHINGTON - D.C. police and Metro Transit Police have announced an arrest in the deadly shooting of a 14-year-old killed at the Brookland Metro Station last week.
According to MPD Chief Pamela Smith, a 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 9.
"We are happy to have the suspect off the streets and now we need our juvenile justice system or our criminal justice system to hold him accountable," Chief Smith said.
The arrest comes less than a week after 14-year-old Avion Evans died after being shot at the Brookland-Catholic University Metro Station in the 800 block of Monroe Street.
The Metro station was evacuated after shots rang out just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 4. When police arrived, they found Evans on the platform with a gunshot wound and he was later pronounced dead.
RELATED: DC police identify 14-year-old killed in shooting at Metro station; suspect sought
The alleged gunman was caught on camera as he fled the station.
Teen shot, killed at Brookland Metro station; suspected gunman on the loose (Metro Transit Police)
Following an investigation, police said they believed a group of teens were involved in a fight on the platform when the shooter, who was not involved in the fight, pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots.
The suspect has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held at the D.C. Juvenile Detention Facility. Police say he is being charged as a juvenile.
"We are happy to have the suspect off the streets and now we need our juvenile justice system or our criminal justice system to hold him accountable," Chief Smith said.
Chief Smith noted that surveillance video was key to solving this case and that the newly opened Real Time Crime Center contributed to the quick arrest.
"Surveillance footage played a key role in this case. As you know, within just minutes of the shooting, our Real Time Crime Center distributed an image of the suspect," Smith said. "I’d like to thank the community who was very, very instrumental, very helpful in providing us with various tips. And calls which aided in this investigation."
Avion’s father, John Evans, spoke with FOX 5 following news of the arrest. He says the teen’s two older brothers also lost their lives to violence here on the streets of D.C.
The middle brother was shot and killed last year. The oldest brother was stabbed to death at the Deanwood metro station eight years ago.
"I just think that something should be done about what's happening at these subway stations, the violence is going on. I just don't understand," Evans said. "I'm on camera this week but next week, you might not be talking, the weeks after that, you might not be talking about it. But i'm telling you, these kids need help, man. We have to do better, man."
The teenage suspect appeared in court this afternoon. FOX 5's Sierra Fox will have more details on this developing story tonight at 10 and 11p.
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This story has been updated to reflect the correct age of the suspect who is 16 years old, not 17 years old as previously stated by Chief Smith.