Two suspects arrested in connection with shooting at Takoma Recreation Center

From NBC Washington:

Two people have been arrested after a shooting near a D.C. recreation center that briefly suspended early voting Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to the intersection of 3rd and Van Buren Streets outside the Takoma Aquatic Center at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday after the shooting was reported. Officers found the shooting victim and transported him to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Authorities say the victim was "conscious and breathing" and his injury is not life-threatening.

After further investigation, police say the shooting victim was actually a robbery suspect. Investigators say he was one of three masked men who tried to rob four people along the 300 block of Van Buren.

Police say one of the robbers had a gun which went off and hit one of his accomplices. The four robbery victims fled the scene, unharmed. The suspect who was struck and another suspect were arrested and charged with armed robbery, according to investigators. A third suspect is still at large.

Shooting at Takoma Recreation Center this afternoon

From NBC Washington:

Police are investigating a shooting at a D.C. recreation center that briefly suspended early voting Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to the Takoma (Recreation) Center at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday after the shooting was reported. Officers found the victim in the center and transported him to a local hospital. Authorities say the victim was "conscious and breathing," but there is no specific word about his condition.

Police are on the lookout for four suspects, all wearing black and bright-colored shoes.


From Councilmember Muriel Bowser:

MPD continues to investigate a shooting on the grounds of the Takoma Recreation Center which occurred at approx. 3:30 pm, which appears to be related to a robbery attempt. An adult male was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Voting at the early voting site was interrupted for about 20 minutes, but now continues through 7 pm. MPD, Parks and Rec, and Board of Elections officials responded quickly and professionally. Deputy Mayor Quander, Assistant Chief Groomes, and Board of Elections Director Tatum responded immediately to the scene.


Update from Fourth District Commander Kimberly Chisley Missouri:

Investigation into this matter revealed the following: Four complainants were in the 6500 blk of 3rd St NW when they were approached by three masked male suspects who attempted to rob them. One of the suspects brandished a firearm. A gunshot is heard and one of the robbery suspects suffered a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Two of the robbery suspects, adult males, have been arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery. We are working to identify the third robbery suspect as he fled the scene prior to police arrival. The complainants were not injured and no property was obtained. This case is still being actively investigated by Detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-919-CRIME.

Dog shot by MPD officer at 14th and Tuckerman

From the Post:

The dog was shot near 14th and Tuckerman streets NW, about a half mile south of the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center, about 5:45 p.m., police said. The dog, a German shepherd, got loose from a yard and bit a man and woman. The dog then attacked a man in a wheelchair, but did not bite him, a police source said.

Watch NBC4's report here.

Robbery last night, 900 block of Longfellow St. NW

From MPD:

At approximately 10:45 pm in the 900 block of Longfellow St., NW, a suspect brandished a handgun and demanded money from the complainant. Two other suspects participated in robbing the complainant. The suspects fled in an unknown direction. There were no injuries to any parties.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other crime is asked to call 1-888-919-CRIM[E].

Lookouts: (All suspects were wearing ski masks)
S-1: 18-21yr, BM, 5’7-5’9”, 160lb, Black coat blue jeans – ARMED with handgun
S-2: 18-21yr, BM, 5’7-5’9”, 160lb, Black coat blue jeans
S-3: 18-21yr, BM, 5’7-5’9”, 160lb, Black coat blue jeans

- Lieutenant Mike Whiteside

Uptick in crime in the area surrounding Walter Reed

From the Takoma listserv:

Last night I walked along Dahlia chatting with neighbors. Turns out that there have been several muggings on Dahlia in which a gun was used in the last few weeks.

That combined with the break ins of cars during the broad daylight. Plus the odd experience of catching some guys on my roof a few weeks ago suggests a crime spree in our area.

Frightening, considering that there has been much less in the way of police presence in this area of late. And the closure of Walter Reed has made this area of Georgia strangely quiet day and night, very little foot traffic.

Attempted robbery of armored vehicle outside CVS at 6514 Georgia Avenue NW

Two people tried to rob an armored car parked outside the CVS at 6514 Georgia Avenue late this morning.

Shooting on 4th Street between Buchanan and Crittenden early this morning

From Fourth District Commander Kimberly Chisley Missouri:

"Around 1am today, a complainant reported being robbed and subsequently shot by a light complexioned black male. The complainant was transported for medical treatment of a superficial wound. The complainant could not advise the location of the robbery however a canvass was conducted by officers in the area surrounding 4th and Buchanan St NW with negative results. Detectives are continuing their investigation into this matter. If anyone heard or observed anything, please call 1-888-919-CRIME."

Stabbing death early this morning in 5300 block of 8th Street NW

From Fourth District Commander Kimberly Chisley Missouri:

Just before 3 am, units received a call for a stabbing at the 5300 blk of 8th St. NW. Upon arrival, an adult male was located suffering from an apparent stab wound and was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced. This case is under investigation by the Homicide Branch. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-919-CRIM(E).

Man brandishes gun; MPD officers shoot in self-defense last night near Colorado & Missouri Aves.

From MPD 4D Commander Kimberly Chisley Missouri:

Units were investigating a man with a gun call near Missouri Ave and Colorado Ave NW around 10pm. An adult male was located brandishing a shotgun and pointed the weapon in the direction of officers. The officers discharged their service firearms striking the male. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening injury and is being charged with assault. The officers were not injured. The 5800 blk of 13th St NW and the 1200. Blk of Missouri Ave are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic as the investigation continues.

MPD uncovers auto theft ring HQ on Blair Rd.

From the MPD-4D listserv:

For several months members of the Fourth District Auto Theft Unit have been working with Detectives from Montgomery Counties Centralized Auto Theft Unit.  This afternoon their joint investigations lead to an address in the 7300 block of Blair Road Northwest.  The detectives and investigators located several suspects that they had been tracking as well as several stolen cars and motorcycles and a large amount of parts from other stolen vehicles.  

The investigation revealed that multiple suspects were stealing cars and motorcycles primarily from Montgomery County Maryland and bringing them to the location on Blair Road.  There the suspects would strip down the vehicles for their parts, basically running a chop shop.  Four suspects were arrested as part of the operation. 

This joint investigation continues by both agencies.  They clearly made a dent into a major auto theft ring today.  The outstanding work of both agencies across multiple jurisdictions should be praised by all.  

John R. Haines
Lieutenant
Fourth District
Vice, Auto Theft, and Crime Suppression Units

Georgia Avenue post-Caribbean Carnival homicide victim identified

From WTOP:

Police have identified a man who was shot and killed near the Howard University campus in Northwest Washington.

Forty-three-year-old Robert Foster Jr. of Washington was one of four people shot near the route of the Caribbean Carnival parade late Saturday afternoon. Two other men and a woman were shot and survived. The parade had largely passed, but many people remained near the route when gunfire sent people fleeing.

Police have said the shooting apparently stemmed from a neighborhood dispute and was not connected to the parade or the university. Police have not identified any suspects or revealed a possible motive.

Councilman Jim Graham says the man may have been an innocent bystander.

Caribbean Carnival's truncated route ends in violence

According to the Washington Post, five people were taken to the hospital earlier this evening with knife and/or gunshot wounds. Another report brought the number to six. I'll update as I hear more information. The incidents occurred in the 700 blocks of Gresham Street and Columbia Road, close to the end of the Caribbean Parade route.

Aside from this sad ending, the shortened parade route has been the source of controversy. At the end of the parade Muriel Bowser tweeted:

"Thousands of people on Georgia Avenue looking for rest of the Parade. This short route is a disaster. #lostrevenue"

A series of tweets between Bowser and Paco Fimbres of Mayor Gray's Office for Neighborhood Engagement (ONE) ensued, with Bowser stating that the Gray administration had disrespected the Caribbean community by approving the truncated route, causing confusion for parade attendees and revenue loss for the shops on Georgia Avenue. She also accused the Mayor's office of breaking promises (though I'm not exactly clear on what the promises were; again, I'll update as I get more information) (UPDATE: Bowser clarified via email: "I'm told that Candidate Gray promised [the organizers] support of status quo with parade this year. Mayor Gray refused to meet with them.")  Fimbres responded:

"No promises were broken. All involved knew exactly what the plan was...At the time plans were finalized no objections were raised."

This is shaping up to be quite a story. I'm hoping the full parade route can be restored next year...sans the violence.

UPDATE: Now hearing one person stabbed at Georgia and W Street, 4:30 pm; four people were shot at Georgia Ave and Gresham St, 5:15 pm (one has succumbed to injuries)

Don't let your criminal record stand in the way of your success!

"How to Succeed with a Criminal Record" is the topic of ANC 4B06 commissioner Gloria Palmer's next monthly meeting. Says Palmer:

There are an estimated 60,000 individuals with criminal records in the District of Columbia. Find out if you or your friends with criminal records are eligible - and how - to get arrest or conviction records sealed or expunged.

Suggestion: Begin to locate old case numbers and other pertinent information. When asked, state that ANC 4B06 G. D. Palmer referred you.

When: Tuesday May 17, 2011, 7-9 pm
Where: 4D Metropolitan Police Department, 6001 Georgia Ave. NW

Man stabbed at Petworth Metro; armed street robbery at 14th & Madison

WTOP reports:

Metro says a man was stabbed while exiting the Georgia Avenue/Petworth station Sunday afternoon.
Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein says the victim was approached by another man at about 4:15 p.m. after passing through the fare gate at the station in Northwest. The suspect then stabbed the man in the neck area.

The man was taken to an area hospital as a Priority 1 transport. D.C. Fire spokesman Pete Piringer said the victim's condition was unknown. Metro Transit Police were investigating the incident.


And from MPD, 6:06am 11/29/10:

Fourth District units are on the scene of an armed robbery at 14th and Madison Sts., NW. The weapon used was a metal pipe. Two suspects attacked the complainant from behind, striking him in the head with the pipe. The stole his wallet and cell phone. The two suspects are described as black males, one is 5’5” wearing a black jacket, the other is 5’7” to 5’8” wearing a blue jacket. The suspects were last seen running from the scene westbound on Madison St., NW. Anyone having information regarding this offense is asked to call the TIP Line at 1-888-919-CRIME.

Trouble on the 71

Metrobus driver accused of assaulting passenger. This happened on the 71 bus, on Georgia near Van Buren Street.

Homicide in 5900 block of Georgia Ave. last night

From 4th District Commander Kimberly Chisley-Missouri:

Around 11:30 pm, units were summoned to the 5900 blk of Ga Ave for sounds of gunshots. 3 juvenile shooting victims were located and transported to area hospitals. Detectives are on the scene investigating.

And later, from Captain Francis Hill:

Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, one of the individuals who was shot could not be saved and has succumbed to his injuries. This is still an open case, and anyone with any information is asked to call the Homicide Branch on 202-645-9600.


And from the WP:

Investigators said early Saturday that the shooting apparently followed a go-go concert on Georgia Avenue at which fights broke out.