Armed Person On MTA Bus In Baltimore County: Police

LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, MD — An armed person on an MTA bus prompted a large law enforcement presence Friday near the Ridgely Plaza shopping center. People were asked to avoid the area Friday morning due to police activity close to stores like Old Navy and Kohl's.

Kevin Thompson Jr, 38, of the 100 block of Northwood Drive, was charged with firearm possession with a felony conviction, having a loaded handgun on his person and several other weapons violations. He is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

Police said Thompson was the only one aboard the bus when a driver pulled into the bus loop on West Ridgely Road around 10 a.m. Friday.

He was lying across the seats, asleep, and the driver could see a handgun in his waistband upon walking through the bus to ensure nobody was aboard, according to officials.

When the driver found the man, he threatened to shoot people, WBFF reported, prompting the driver to call 911 around 10 a.m.

Initially, officers converged around West Ridgely Road at Francke Avenue, the Baltimore County Police Department reported at 10:50 a.m., advising drivers to avoid the area.

The man had been sleeping on the bus when a driver discovered him near the light rail station, according to WBAL, which reported he was in custody as of 12:05 p.m.

Police said roads were reopening by 12:15 p.m.

Get news alerts from Patch.