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Herndon Today
By the People, for the People
Armed Suspect Arrested After Threats On Metro Train From Herndon To Ashburn
Authorities say the man threatened passengers and groped a child on the train.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A 37-year-old man with no fixed address, identified as Sergio Avalos Santiago, was arrested after allegedly threatening passengers with knives and inappropriately touching a 6-year-old child on a Metro train traveling from Herndon to Ashburn, Virginia. Santiago resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody with the help of a K9 unit. He has been charged with multiple crimes, including assault on law enforcement, carrying a concealed weapon, assault and battery of a child, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the importance of public safety on public transportation systems and the need for swift action by law enforcement to address threats to passengers, especially involving weapons and the abuse of minors.
The details
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, around 5:18 pm on Saturday, Metro Transit Police received reports of a man displaying a knife and threatening other passengers on a train traveling from Herndon to Ashburn. Deputies met the train at Ashburn Station, evacuated the car the suspect was in, and learned he had also inappropriately touched a 6-year-old child. When deputies tried to take the suspect into custody, he resisted arrest, leading them to use a K9 unit to assist. Two fully opened folding knives were seized from the suspect.
- The incident occurred around 5:18 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2026.
- Deputies met the train and evacuated the suspect's car at the Ashburn Station.
The players
Sergio Avalos Santiago
A 37-year-old man with no fixed address who was arrested for threatening passengers with knives and inappropriately touching a child on a Metro train.
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, arrested the suspect, and charged him with multiple crimes.
Metro Transit Police
The police force that initially received reports of the suspect's threatening behavior on the train and notified the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
What’s next
The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Sergio Avalos Santiago at his upcoming court appearance.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and swift response by law enforcement to address threats to public safety, particularly on public transportation systems where passengers are vulnerable. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to protect minors from abuse.
