Man Dragged By Train, Killed After Dog Leash Caught In Metro Door

DUNN LORING, VA — A man was killed Wednesday after his dog leash got caught in a Metro door, causing him to be dragged at the Dunn Loring station, according to Metro Transit Police.

Metro received the report around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. According to police, the man was on the platform but had a leash tied to him with a dog still inside the train. That caused the man to be dragged onto the platform and Metrorail tracks.

The man was taken to the hospital but died of his injuries.

The victim's family told NBC Washington the victim was Harold Riley, 50. A father of two and grandfather of four, Riley was on Metro with a service dog, his daughters told NBC Washington. Metro allows service animals for people with disabilities, as well as the transport of pets in crates.

Based on video footage, Metro Transit Police said the incident happened 450 feet from the Metro operator cab. The train operator performed two door safety checks before the train proceeded, according to police.

Police said the dog was in police care.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased," the police statement said.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.