A Metrorail operator was arrested on Dec. 23 after allegedly operating the train while intoxicated, according to police reports and Metro statements.

The operator, Damon Keith Roberts, Jr., bypassed the Van Dorn Station on the Blue Line around 10:30 p.m. and then stopped on the tracks for a half hour. The Rail Operations Control Center made several attempts to contact the operator but heard no response. They sent first responders to investigate the situation. As they arrived, the operator continued on to Franconia-Springfield and let passengers off. Metro says emergency responders performed sobriety tests and suspected Roberts was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Three passengers were on the train at the time.

The arrest and incident were first reported by Greater Greater Washington on Wednesday.

Metro says the employee has worked at the transit agency since 2017 and started operating trains in 2019.

Metro’s official policy stipulates that first-time offenders of their alcohol and drug use policy lose pay, have 10 days to enroll in the Employee Assistance Program, and face 60 months of random drug and alcohol testing following reinstatement. Court documents indicate this was the first DWI offense for Roberts.

“He will not be allowed to return to work per Metro’s rules, which strictly enforce drug and alcohol policies,” Metro said in a statement. “Metro performs random testing in accordance with (Federal Transit Administration) requirements and is in compliance with all FTA drug and alcohol regulations.

“We continue to investigate the incident and are reviewing any opportunities for improvement.”

The Metrorail Safety Commission says it was alerted to the event, but not within the two-hour time window required. Both the transit agency and its safety oversight body are investigating.