Yonathan Melaku tries to escape from cell, police say
The Marine reservist facing charges in connection with five separate shootings at military facilities in northern Virginia attempted to escape from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Yonathan Melaku has been charged with damaging the facility to aid escape and possession of an instrument to aid escape.
He is accused of damaging a small portion of a cinderblock in his cell.
Melaku caused a scare in Virginia in June when he was found with suspicious material in a backpack at Arlington Cemetery, which is located near the Pentagon. Melaku, a naturalized citizen originally from Ethiopia, was detained for trespassing after becoming uncooperative, authorities said, but hadn't been charged as of Friday night.
A short time after the cemetery incident, authorities charged him in connection with a series of mysterious shootings at military facilities in the D.C. area.
Authorities say Melaku videotaped himself carrying out the five shootings at military buildings. According to charging documents, Melaku states one video: “That’s my target. That’s the military building. It’s going to be attacked.”
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
-
ABC7 takes you backstage at Dancing With The Stars
ABC7 News has your backstage ticket to the Dancing With The Stars Finale! Join ABC7's Cynne Simpson from Hollywood for all the excitement Monday and Tuesday on ABC7 News At 5 and 11. Click here for all the latest news leading up to the crowning of the Dancing With The Stars champ!
TBD Blogs What you need to read
-
@TBD Arts
It's not easy being Glittarazzi
-
The Market Report
Giant promises to open all lanes in Columbia Heights
-
@TBD On Foot
Shaken by an earthquake, people realized they loved Metro
Best of TBD In case you missed it
-
'Fight Night' gets wild
Redskins cheerleaders, councilmembers, and boxing legends all came out for the annual fundraiser.

3 Comments