Metro Briefs

MARYLAND

CLINTON

’Hoax’ package investigated near base

A suspicious package that closed Branch Avenue near Andrews Air Force Base for three hours Tuesday morning was harmless but intentionally built as a hoax, Prince George’s fire officials said.

Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady said the appearance of the device “warranted the dispatch of the bomb squad.”

The package was discovered by a road crew around 9 a.m. in the median strip directly over Coventry Way. Police shut down Branch Avenue from Allentown Road to Woodyard Road.

— Meredith Somers

DISTRICT

Scalia involved in fender bender

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was involved in a minor vehicle accident on the George Washington Parkway on Tuesday morning, according to a court spokeswoman.

Justice Scalia, 75, was en route to work when he was involved in the fender bender, Kathy Arberg said. No one was injured, and Justice Scalia made it to work on time, she said.

— Meredith Somers

Holdup reported on National Mall

A Northern Virginia man was attacked on the National Mall by men with a gun on Monday.

The victim, who wasn’t immediately identified, was pushed to the ground by two gunmen. They attempted to rob him around 5:15 p.m. while he was walking through the small park between the Hirschhorn Museum and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, just blocks from the Smithsonian Castle building, U.S. Park Police spokesman Sgt. David Schlosser said.

The victim suffered minor injuries during a celebratory time in the city — the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The robbery was the first reported violent crime on the National Mall in years. A robbery involving a gun occurred 2 1/2 years ago, but only minor cases involving property have been reported until Monday afternoon’s assault, police said.

— Meredith Somers

DYRS official injured in shooting

Jeff McInnis, chief of the Detained Services Administration at the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained during a suspected robbery more than a week ago, DYRS said in a memo to staff employees.

The memo from interim DYRS Director Neil Stanley said Mr. McInnis was shot in the arm and that the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the matter.

“In spite of this difficult situation, Jeffs injuries are not life threatening and he is recuperating at home with the support of his family and loved ones,” the memo said.

No suspects in the McInnis shooting have yet been identified.

— Jeffrey Anderson

VIRGINIA

FAIRFAX

County proposes Metro station names

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recommended eight Dulles rail extension station names to be sent for approval by Metro’s Board of Directors.

Fairfax County officials say the proposed names for the stations are Tysons-McLean, Tysons I & II, Tysons Central, Tysons-Spring Hill Rd., Reston-Wiehle Ave., Reston Town Center, Herndon-Reston West, and Herndon-Dulles East.

The 23-mile line will connect Tysons and Washington Dulles International Airport to areas inside the Capital Beltway.

Eight of the 11 new stations will be in Fairfax County.

— Meredith Somers