Absence of Purple Line Brings Crime to Chevy Chase

Press release issued July 25, 2012

The tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue that will house the Bethesda station of the future Purple Line is now so little used that it attracts criminals. The Bethesda Patch reports this morning that a pair of daylight robberies occurred in the tunnel on recent Fridays. The Town of Chevy Chase, which sits at the east end of the tunnel, issued an email alert to its citizens about the crimes.

“The Purple Line will improve our community in so many ways,” commented Action Committee for Transit president Tina Slater. “‘Eyes on the street’ that deter crime are just one of the benefits of transit.”

Update: Yet another assault occurred on Sept. 29, made possible by the lack of foot traffic at the future train station.