Pardoned Capitol rioter convicted of assault for touching stranger’s hair on Metro

Plus: Two self-rescue after scaffolding collapse on Gaithersburg apartment building; Police investigate armed robbery of e-bike in Takoma Park

By

August 13, 2026 10:08 a.m.

Share

After a day-long trial in Washington, D.C., Superior Court on Wednesday, Bryan Betancur, 28, of Silver Spring, was convicted of assault in connection with a case that began when videos he filmed of himself touching a woman’s hair on the Metro went viral in February. Betancur, who was arrested in April and has remained in custody since, faces a maximum of 180 days in jail and is also facing separate stalking charges. [Fox 5 DC]

Workers self-rescue after scaffolding collapse on Gaithersburg apartment building

On Tuesday afternoon, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews were dispatched to a 15-story apartment building in Gaithersburg after receiving a report that scaffolding on the building collapsed. Two workers using the scaffolding were trapped nine stories high but were able to escape through an apartment window. [Montgomery Community Media]

Police investigate armed robbery of e-bike in Takoma Park

A man who purchased an e-bike during a meet-up with a stranger in Takoma Park early Wednesday morning was robbed at knife point shortly after handing over cash for the bike. Takoma Park police said they have not found the suspect and are investigating. The man was not injured. [DC News Now]

Today’s weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 89 degrees.

- Advertisement -

In case you missed it:

How one Glen Echo resident helped save the Washington Folk Festival

Follow the food: How MoCo leftovers get rescued, redistributed to those in need

What changes are coming to MCPS for the 2026-2027 school year? 

Digital Partners

Originally published at Bethesdamagazine