At least they were caught. From MPD:

Shortly after 3 AM on February 5, 2012, three complainants were driving in the 1400 block of Park Road, NW, when they were cut off by three vehicles. Four people exited one of the vehicles and approached the complainants. Two of the suspects produced handguns and pulled one of the complainants out of the driver’s seat. The suspect attempted to take the complainant’s car, but the other two occupants fought the suspect off. The suspect took the complainant’s property, exited the complainant’s vehicle, and fled in the suspect vehicle.

The complainants chased the suspect vehicle onto Georgia Avenue, NW, when they observed a Fourth District patrol unit and reported the robbery/attempted carjacking. The Fourth District unit located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the 7000 block of 9th Street, NW. Two of the suspects were apprehended, but two additional suspects fled from the vehicle on foot. The two suspects who fled were apprehended a short time later in the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW. An identification procedure was conducted, at which time the complainants identified all four suspects as the ones who had robbed and attempted to carjack them. The suspects were placed under arrest.

Congratulations go out to Fourth District for apprehending these dangerous criminals and bringing a swift closure to this robbery!

Photo by PoPville flickr user Michael T. Ruhl

Dear PoPville,

I would love to get some attention to this lax sentence. It just terrifies me that this person who violently stabbed someone is only sentenced to 4 years.

From Washington Post:

The Washington man who stabbed another man in the neck has been sentenced to four years in prison, the U.S. Attorney General’s Office announced.

According to the government’s evidence, the attack was prompted by an incident on Sept. 9, 2009, when a juvenile tried to grab the man who would later be stabbed.

The man was unharmed but reported the incident to police.

Three days later, about 10:15 p.m. the juvenile and three men, including 21-year-old Melvin Andrade, rode their bicycles to the busy intersection of 14th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW.

You can read the rest of the incident here.

Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

Based on an ongoing narcotics investigation in the Third District in the areas of Spring Road and Place, Perry Place, Meridian Place, Oak Street, Holmead Place and the 3300-3600 blocks of 14 Streets, Northwest , the Third District Vice Unit in coordination with other MPD Vice Units and the Major Narcotics Unit executed 10 search warrants in different areas in the city.

As a result, numerous arrests were made. Additionally, various narcotics, US currency, other evidence, and a firearm was recovered.

Thanks to the community for your continued support in making your neighborhoods safer.

Thanks to a reader for sending this article from Forbes:

CrimePush, available on iTunes today, is the latest in mobile technology to provide urban populations with fast, discrete, and intelligent safety assistance. After being held at gunpoint on the streets of Washington, DC co-founder, Shayan Pahlevani thought of a way to conveniently help report and prevent crimes for the 21st century.

The company utilizes Smartphone technology to put crime reporting, literally, in the hands of users. After downloading the free iPhone or Android application, users can report an ongoing crime with the push of a button. A package of information including the location of the crime, photo, video, audio, and text description of the crime are sent to authorities immediately. The application also allows for users to report crime anonymously so that they may continue with their busy lives knowing that with a push of a button, police will know and have everything to pursue the criminal. Ordinary users become the eyes and ears of authorities.

Think this will work?

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Thanks to everyone who sent emails about this horrifying incident. I apologize for the delay in posting.

From MPD Jan. 27th:

There was a burglary last in the 500 block of T Street, Northwest, at approximately 3:30 am.

A female knocked on the victim’s front door and acted as if she was crying. When the victim opened the door 2 male suspects forced their way in to the house.

Please be aware of any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Don’t answer the door for anyone you do not know especially at late night, early morning hours.

The lookout for the suspects is as follows:

Black female, 17-18 years of age, 5’00″, slim approximately 120 lbs, dark complexion, wearing eyeglasses, hair at shoulder length and in a pony tail with bangs that come down to the eyes and wearing dark colored clothes.

Black male, 20′s years of age, round nose, round face, 5’07″-5’08″, 160 lbs, medium – dark complexion, short curly style hair, dark clothes and armed with a black in color semi automatic handgun.

Black Male 30′s years of age, 509″-5’10″, 165 lbs, brown complexion with very bad black acne, shoulder length dreads wearing black clothes and armed with a black in color semi automatic handgun.

From WJLA7:

“Elizabeth Samuel’s eye is bloody, her face is swollen, her head aches all over. She doesn’t even know how many times she was hit with a gun.

Her wrists and ankles are covered in bruises from where she was tied up and kept hostage in her own home.”

From Fox5:

“After enduring a half-hour of terror, her husband came home and fought the attackers who were armed with pistols. He took on the attackers armed with a wine bottle. Unfortunately he was pistol whipped from behind knocking him to the ground rendering him out of commission.

The suspects spent the next 30 minutes drinking and smoking inside the house before leaving with numerous items.”

Dear PoPville,

My friend lives at 1630 R St., NW where there was a fire Tuesday night. She is actually the one who called 911 when she went outside and saw flames coming out of a window. The firefighters told her that the cause of the fire was a meth lab(!) on the 4th floor. This news story confirms it. Who knew people make meth in luxury apartment buildings in Dupont?

Wild. WUSA9 wrote:

“An investigation into the cause of the fire led to the discovery of suspicious materials which may indicate a meth lab was being operated in the apartment.”

Somebody watching too much Breaking Bad…

14th and H St, NW around 3pm Wed. afternoon

A reader sent in this horrible photo earlier today. It turns out the scene was actually much worse. NBC Washington writes:

A woman and a baby were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a Cadillac in northwest D.C.

A man was traveling eastbound on H Street near 14th Street when for unknown reason he drove on to the sidewalk, striking a woman with a stroller.

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From MPD:

Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Division are investigating a double fatal traffic crash that occurred in the 400 block of Taylor Street, NE at approximately 3:30 am today.

On Sunday, January 29, 2012, at approximately 2:56 am, units from the Fourth District received several calls for the sounds of gunshots in the 700 block of Otis Place, NW. While responding, a MPD cruiser was flagged down at the corner of Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue, NW, by an unidentified black male who stated that unknown suspects had just shot at him from a burgundy colored Plymouth minivan with Virginia tags.

A lookout was broadcast and another MPD unit observed a burgundy minivan speeding in the 300 block of Upshur Street, NW, passing through stop signs without stopping. A pursuit was then initiated and ended in the 400 block of Taylor Street, NE, when the suspect vehicle lost control, struck a tree, and then struck another MPD vehicle that was responding to the scene for support.

Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded at the scene of the crash. The two officers in the vehicle that was struck sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. All three occupants of the suspect vehicle were ejected. Two of suspects, an adult male and a juvenile male died of their injuries. The third male suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The identities of the decedents are being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification.

Evidence recovered indicates that the vehicle was involved in a shooting. MPD units returned to the scene where the male flagged them down, but have been unable to locate him.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

Unfortunately another disturbing crime on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). A reader sends a report from the MBT Yahoo group:

“From Commander Solberg (via ANC Commissioner Tim Clark) last night:

It appears to be a robbery involving three suspects. A shot was fired at the victim, and he was grazed but thankfully not seriously injured. It happened at 3rd and T Sts. about 6:15.

We have not made any arrests.”

Subsequent messages are unclear as to whether the actual incident took place on the trail or at 3rd and T St, NE.

UPDATE from MPD:

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at approximately 6:15 pm, an area resident was walking on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail in the area of 3rd & R Street, Northeast, when he was accosted by three individuals. One subject produced a weapon and demanded the victim’s possessions. After complying and without provocation, the victim was punched in the face. The victim then attempted to flee from the scene and sustained a graze gunshot wound to the hip area after the suspect fired his weapon.

All three suspects then fled on foot. The victim received treatment for his injuries and an area hospital. The Metropolitan Police Department continues its investigation into the identity of these three individuals.

To ensure this area remains safe for all, the bike trail will be monitored and patrolled by officers on a regular basis.

Capt. Jeff Brown

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From MPD:

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at approximately 11:30 pm, the victim responded to the Third District Police station to report a sexual assault and robbery which occurred in the 400 block of Q Street, NW. The victim reported walking in the 400 block of Q Street, NW, at approximately 11:00 pm, when she was approached from behind by a male subject. The subject forced her in a nearby alley. While in the alley, the subject who was armed with a handgun sexually assaulted and robbed the victim. After the crime, the subject fled the area on foot.

The suspect is described as a black male, medium build, 24-25 years old, wearing a black leather jacket, checkered scarf, black hat and dark pants.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746). Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

A reader writes:

Dear PoPville,

Please make sure to spread the word about this horrifying incident that happened in Shaw earlier this week. The police were very responsive and have increased patrols in the area, but it’s so hard to predict random attacks on what are otherwise quiet streets. There are some really sick people out there, and it’s all too easy for an innocent person to fall victim. My heart goes out to this young woman, and I hope we all take extra precautions until this creep gets the punishment he deserves.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe in DC

Dear PoPville,

For the past 3 years, 6-7 guys love to hang out on the wall/sidewalk outside of our next door neighbors house. They do not reside there and my neighbor does not know them. We often call the police on them, as they smoke weed, trash our lawns, and harass us as we leave the house. Two of these guys, I believe, are to blame for a series of muggings where intoxicated people are targeted walking home at night. And, these two men have not been caught in the act by the police.

One instance occurred a couple months ago. My husband I were driving home from Baltimore on an early Sunday morning (around 3:30am) when parking into our garage, witnessed the same two casing a mid 20 something male in an attempt to mug him. This man was in bad shape from drinking and was unaware that the two men were following him as he stumbled in an alley behind our home. We intervened, convincing our drunk neighbor to let us give him a ride to his house, thus eluding the mugging.

We reported the incident to the police however the next day the two guys were sitting with their buddies in front of our neighbors home. So we called the police again to make a report. Two weeks later, one of our friends who lives a block over from us reported being mugged while returning home drunk after a night out after work. She works in the service industry and had deposits/tips on her at the time. Two men approached from behind on her porch before she could put the key in the lock. She gave us a similar description of the two guys.

Then, Saturday night, we were home watching movies and I saw blue and red lights flashing on my window. I went outside to investigate. The police had responded to another mugging. Same type of incident – intoxicated guy mugged and violently hit in the face. This man gave a another similar description. I told the police again about the earlier incidents and where we believe the party responsible hangs out.

As far as we can tell, they are targeting people between Columbia Road to Kenyon between Georgia and Warder. And they tend to “hang out” during the day and evenings on Kenyon between the same blocks.

I want readers to be aware of these two men and be safe. Readers be aware – If you are drunk, don’t walk home in this area – get a cab and have the driver wait until you are inside. If you walk, go in groups.

Our best description -
Approx 5′ 10” black male medium complexion with ‘freckle marks’ on his face dreads/braids slim build early 20′s maybe younger
Approx 5′ 5″ black male dark complexion short hair heavier build early 20′s maybe younger

Any advice or information you could provide and what can we do so that these guys stop getting away with this?

The OP assured me they’ve again reported this to the Police but I will make sure they see this as well. I think a dual approach is necessary – MPD needs to patrol this area and patrons need to heed the original advice of not walking home drunk alone late at night.

From a press release:

Five members of a group that tagged public and private buildings with graffiti have been convicted and sentenced in recent weeks on charges of destruction of property, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today. The activities took place between 2009 and 2011, with much of the damage done in Northeast Washington. Among other places, the defendants targeted a warehouse, liquor stores, grocery stores and even a church.

The defendants include Christopher Huff, 22, Andrew Marquesen, 34, and Edwin Merino, 22, all of Washington, D.C.; Jason Medina, 22, of Severn, Md., and John “Asad” Walker, 46, of Gaithersburg, Md.

Huff pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to two counts of misdemeanor destruction of property and was sentenced on January 5, 2012, by the Honorable Gerald I. Fisher. Walker was found guilty, also on January 5, after a trial and was sentenced that day by the Honorable Geoffrey M. Alprin. The others pled guilty last month to multiple counts of misdemeanor destruction of property and were sentenced by the Honorable Robert E. Morin.

According to the government’s investigation, each of the defendants used a distinctive moniker –or “tag ” – in their graffiti. Huff used the tag of “HUF,” Marquesen used “GATOR” or “G8R,” Medina used AERA,” Merino used“CHE,” and Walker used “MAR5.”

Search warrants, executed at the residences of Huff, Marquesen and Merino, led to the recovery of graffiti paraphernalia, including spray paint cans and sketch books containing graffiti art. Also, in post-arrest interviews with police, Huff, Medina and Merino admitted to carrying out various acts of illegal graffiti.

Huff, Marquesen, Merino and Medina received suspended sentences of between 360 and 540 days. Each was placed on two years of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. The judges in their cases recommended that each defendant fulfill his community service requirement by participating in the Murals DC program, a joint venture begun in 2007 between the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the District of Columbia Department of Public Works. According to its website, the Murals DC program aims to “help replace illegal graffiti with artistic works” and to “revitalize sites within the community,” through graffiti art in a legal setting.

Walker, who was convicted of spraying graffiti on a Northwest Washington building in July 2011, was sentenced to a suspended term of incarceration, with one year supervised probation. He also was ordered to pay $713 in restitution to the victim of the crime.

In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of Metropolitan Police Department Officer Jonathan Jordan. He also praised the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Kalisha Johnson-Clark for her work in preparing the cases. Finally, he expressed his appreciation to Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Finkelman of the Fifth District Unit of the Superior Court Felony Major Crimes Section, and Jason Cunningham, of the Misdemeanor Unit of the General Crimes Section, who prosecuted the cases.

A resident replied to the message on the 5D listserve:

“This should teach these young men a worth while lesson.”

Do you agree?

Thanks to a reader for sending an update about last Sat. afternoon’s beating outside the Tivoli at 14th and Park Rd, NW from the Washington Times:

Jeffrey Mills is accused of attacking 45-year-old Juan Antonio Paredes on Saturday and beating him unconscious with a metal pole, according to police and court records.

Mr. Paredes, of Northwest, was hospitalized and died from his injuries on Sunday.

Photo by PoPville flickr user sciascia

From a WMATA press release:

Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles today ordered several immediate actions today following the arrest of two Metro employees for alleged theft of revenue in connection with their jobs at the Authority.

The employees – Metro Transit Police Officer John Vincent Haile, 54, of Woodbridge, and Revenue Technician Horace Dexter McDade, 58, of Bowie, Md. — were arrested by Metro Transit Police (MTPD) and charged with conspiring to commit theft from programs receiving Federal funds.

An investigation was initiated in October 2011, when financial irregularities were brought to the attention of Metro’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). The investigation was conducted jointly by MTPD, Metro OIG, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria.

Revenue technician McDade had responsibilities for collecting revenue at Metrorail stations. Officer Haile worked as part of a specialized team within MTPD assigned to protect revenue collection.

Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles ordered several immediate actions today:

• Officer Haile has been suspended without pay and is in the process of being terminated. Technician McDade also has been suspended.
• The Chief Financial Officer will immediately bring in forensic accountants to conduct a thorough review of control systems and management over revenue systems to fully understand how wrongdoing occurred and to implement tighter detection systems. The review will take place concurrently with ongoing efforts of the Office of Inspector General.
• The supervisor responsible for the revenue facility has been relieved of his duties.
• Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn will conduct a top-to-bottom assessment of all policies and procedures pertaining to MTPD officers assigned to the Revenue Collection Unit – a process that may include reassignment of employees assigned to the Unit as the OIG and internal reviews are conducted.

Sarles expressed his appreciation for the assistance of the FBI, the Alexandria Police Department, the Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Alexandria, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Metro’s Office of Inspector General.

Just saying – a lot of metro fare increases…

A bunch of folks following @PoPville on twitter were asking about a police presence at 14th and Park Rd, NW. I asked MPD on the scene what was going on and they said there was an assault with an investigation ongoing. Twitter follower @mlxa shares more details:

“Someone got beat up w/a crowbar is what we’ve heard. We saw a man (unconscious?) being tended to by medics ~1:30. Lots of blood.”

I’ll post the official word from MPD when it is released.

UPDATE: MPD Confirms an arrest was made and the victim has died from his injuries.