Teen Throws Cooking Fuel Can At D.C. Bus Driver: Metro Transit Police

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Southeast teenager has been arrested by Metro Transit Police detectives for throwing a Sterno cooking fuel can at a D.C. bus driver Wednesday.

Aric Lewis Holmes, 19, admitted to throwing the empty can of cooking fuel at an X2 Metrobus operator at about noon Wednesday, near the Minnesota Avenue Metrorail Station at 14th and H Streets, NE., police said.

Detectives also arrested his associate John Webb McPaul, 21, of Northeast D.C. According to police, Holmes, McPaul and a third individual were not permitted to board the bus because they were carrying a gasoline-powered leaf blower. Holmes then threw the can at the driver, police said. He did not hit the driver, who was behind a closed safety shield, police said.

Detectives used digital video footage from aboard the bus to identify the suspects.

Holmes and McPhaul are also charged with Armed Robbery and Assault with Intent to Rob in connection with two unrelated cases that occurred earlier this week, police said.

The suspects allegedly robbed a 17-year-old male who was waiting for a bus outside the Minnesota Avenue Station on Monday. Holmes allegedly displayed a weapon and demanded the victim's property, including his belt, "Yeazy" shoes and backpack.

In the second case, which occurred later Monday night outside the Minnesota Avenue Station, the suspects approached an adult male victim who was waiting for the bus. The suspects took the victim's cigarette and asked him if he had money. When the victim said no, the suspects began to assault him, police said. The victim suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention.

Both Holmes and McPhaul are expected to make their first court appearance Thursday.

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Photo: Holmes via Metro Transit Police. A mugshot of McPhaul is not available.