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Man on Metro tracks in Tysons draws police, requires pause in train service

Metro halted all Silver Line trains between the Tysons and McLean stations for a period this morning (Wednesday) so police could get a man off of the tracks.

Fairfax County police officers were dispatched at around 11:32 a.m. to an address near the McLean Metro station for a passenger experiencing an apparent “medical emergency,” according to scanner traffic.

Initial reports suggest Metro employees on the train were evacuated onto the McLean station platform, but the man continued riding toward the Tysons Metro station. At some point, he got on the train tracks over the Capital Beltway (I-495), raising concerns among first responders about threats of self-harm.

Units with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Metro Transit Police Department also went to the scene. The Fairfax County Police Department’s response included its Fairfax 1 helicopter and a mobile crisis unit technician.

Metro stopped trains from operating between the Tysons and McLean stations and shut down power to the electrified third rail on both sides of the track.

“Trains are temporarily not running between Tysons and McLean due to a trespasser on the tracks at Tysons,” Metro said at 11:42 a.m. on social media. “Customers will experience delays in both directions.”

To reduce traffic, some trains offloaded passengers at the East Falls Church and Greensboro stations, and a shuttle bus was provided, according to a Metro spokesperson.

Metro Police officers were ultimately able to take the man into custody at around 11:55 a.m., walking him off the tracks at the McLean station. He was reportedly transported to Reston Hospital Center for treatment.

Metro restarted train service between Tysons and McLean by 12:06 p.m., though the transit agency warned that customers would “experience residual delays” as a result of the pause.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm, call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s emergency services line at 703-573-5679 or the Northern Virginia Crisis Call Center at 703-527-4077. A national 24-hour crisis lifeline is also available at 988.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.