Man attempted to hijack Metrobus in New Carollton, police say

NEW CARROLLTON, Md. - A man was arrested after he tried to hijack a Metrobus in Prince George's County, authorities say.

According to Metro Transit Police, 38-year-old Tariq Kirkland was armed with a knife when he attempted to rob a passenger after boarding the F4 Metrobus in the area of Riverdale Road and Annapolis Road in New Carollton.

Police say the commotion from the attempted robbery caused the bus driver to pull the bus over and secure the vehicle. He also contacted Metro's Bus Operations Control Center "to initiate an emergency response."

Kirkland walked to the front of the bus and ordered the bus driver and the other 16 passengers off the bus. He then tried to drive the Metrobus, but was unable to because of a security feature that stops any unauthorized driver from operating the bus, police say.

The Metrobus driver was able to locate a Prince George's County police officer who detained Kirkland before Metro Transit Police took him into custody.

There were no injuries reported.

Kirkland is facing charges of attempted armed carjacking, attempted robbery and first-degree assault.