Man wanted for firing at victim on escalator at Columbia Heights Metro station arrested

WASHINGTON - A man wanted for firing a gun at a person on an escalator at the Columbia Heights Metro station in Washington D.C. last week was arrested in Maryland, police say.

Montgomery County Police Capt. Paul Starks confirmed that 22-year-old Cesar Morales was apprehended Thursday afternoon.

Morales was wanted for assault with a dangerous weapon after D.C. police say he was seen on surveillance video chasing after a victim in the 1400 block of Irving Street in Northwest D.C. at around 12:15 p.m. Friday.

Surveillance video shows the suspect pulling out a handgun and pointing it at the victim after they both reach the escalator. The suspect fires one gunshot before running away the area. The victim also fled the scene.

"There was a brief foot pursuit," said D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham. "That suspect discarded a firearm which we were able to recover that evening. Unfortunately we were unable to capture the suspect. Investigators went back to the scene. They were able to obtain video footage of a shooting where we had a suspect that actually fired one round down the escalator."

Montgomery County police say a resident called 911 after observing Morales at Westfield Wheaton Mall at around 5:09 p.m. After an officer approached Morales, the suspect fled to a nearby parking garage. Morales was later found by police after a passerby told them he was hiding under a parked vehicle.

Morales has been charged as a fugitive from justice and will be extradited back to D.C.

A second person of interest with dreadlocks is also sought in connection with this shooting.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099 or submit a tip through text message to the department's text tip line at 50411.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction.