Arrest Made in Case of Actor Assaulted at Metro Station

An arrest has been made by Montgomery County Police in last week’s assault and robbery of a local actor at the Silver Spring Metro taxi stand, while a fund to help with the victim’s medical expenses has neared $52,000.

Detectives from the Silver Spring Investigative Section and members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s 4th District on Friday arrested Elijah Jeremiah Smith, 18, of Washington, D.C. Smith was charged in the May 27 attack of local actor Frank Britton, 34.

Britton was brutally assaulted and robbed following the opening night performance of Forum Theater’s“The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” at the Roundhouse Theater in Silver Spring. Britton, starring as Pontius Pilate, was allegedly one of the last to leave a cast party on Colesville Road around 1:45 a.m. May 27, according to WJLA. Friends told the news station that Britton had planned to take a cab home.

Moments later, four men attacked Britton outside the Silver Spring Metro station around 2:30 a.m., stealing his phone and bag, Forum Theater’s artistic director, Michael Dove told the Washington Post.

“[They] smashed his face in pretty badly,” Dove told the Post.

Because Britton does not have medical insurance, friends and members of the D.C. theater community rallied to support him. A GoFundMe site entitled “Frank Britton’s Recovery Fund” was created with a goal of $3,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fund has reached $51,498 through donations from 1,381 people in six days.

Britton, who suffered multiple injuries to his face and head, according to WJLA, underwent surgery at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. He was released from the hospital over the weekend, but faces more medical procedures.

#TeamChaiLatte, a reference coming from a nickname given to Britton, has been posted all through social media to support him.

“It’s beyond description how I feel,” Britton told Patch last week. “I’m just so full of joy and gratitude and love, and I’m just amazed at the outpouring of support. I couldn’t be any more loved, and I’m so thankful.”

A Facebook page entitled “Friends of Frank Britton” has reached 960 members. According to the description on the page, Britton’s right cheekbone was shattered. Members of the group are signing up to deliver meals to Britton at his home and have been posting updates about his condition.

A #TeamChaiLatte Karaoke Benefit Fundraiser has also been set for June 10 at 9 p.m. in order to raise more money to support Britton’s recovery. The benefit is hosted by Kostume Karaoke and District Karaoke and slated to be a pay-to-perform with all proceeds going to Britton’s recovery fund.

Britton said that he is so appreciative of the love and support that he has been receiving because it is the only thing that has been helping him get through.

“The people visiting and calling and posting on social media, it’s just been wonderful,” Britton said. “I haven’t felt sad or depressed about it. I’m truly thankful.”

According to The Washington Post, performances of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” will continue with Britton’s role done by an understudy. The artistic team will continually re-evaluate during Britton’s recovery.

This is Britton’s third time performing in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.” He performed in this role six years ago in the original run in April 2008 and again six months after in the remount.

“It was a great opening night,” Britton said of the opening performance hours before the assault.

The play will continue its run through June 14.

Britton has acted in productions with WSC Avant Bard, Round House, and Spooky Action, along with other local D.C. theaters.