WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police officers tased a man on Tuesday who was carrying a "long style firearm" in a park area not far from the U.S. Capitol.
Around 12:40 p.m., someone approached Capitol Police officers near the Russell Senate Office Building and told them about a man in the park carrying a gun in the 400 block of Delaware Avenue, Northeast – near Union Station.
When officers arrived on scene, they made numerous commands for the man to drop his weapon. Capitol Police said he didn't comply with their commands.
One of the officers stood in front of him, and one behind him tasered him in the back. The man fell forward onto his gun and was taken into custody.
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger identified the man as Ahmir Lavon Merrell, 21, of Atlanta. Manger said Merrell is a registered sex offender in Georgia.
Officers are now investigating a bag the man had in his possession as a suspicious package, though while searching it, they had yet to find anything suspicious. They're also working to determine if he has a vehicle in the area.
Manger said Merrell may be suffering from some sort of mental health issue. They don't yet know why he had the gun in the park.
Capitol Police says there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Drivers should avoid the area until further notice.
No other information has been released.
The arrest comes as many across the country are going to the polls for Election Day to cast their ballots.
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