Fourth of July Fireworks Safety Tips from the MPD

Here are some good safety tips from the Metropolitan Police for the Fourth of July.

Fireworks: Facts & Safety Tips

Happy Birthday, America!

Police Alert: Home Invaders Posing as Comcast Employees

We thought we'd pass along this report from the Third District Police:

Good Afternoon,

A short time ago [Saturday, May 5, 5:00pm] officers responded to a report of a home invasion in the 600 block of Harvard Street, NW. Two individuals were posing as Comcast employees, when they forced their way in to the complainant’s residence. The complainant was able to leave the residence unharmed. The suspects then escaped.

The suspects were last seen fleeing the area driving a burgundy Suburban, bearing a Maryland Tag #9AF8655. If you observe the suspect vehicle, please call 911 immediately.

If anyone has additional information regarding this case, they are asked to contact MPD at 202-727-9099.

Thanks,

Lieutenant Jeffery Carroll

Metropolitan Police Department

Third District, PSA 307

1620 V St, NW

Washington, DC 20009

Cell Phone (202) 437-8198

jeffreyw.carroll @ dc.gov

jefferyw.carroll@dc.gov<mailto:jefferyw.carroll@dc.gov>

Download DC311 and Start Reporting Today! With the new DC311 free smartphone app, reporting an issue to 311 is now easier than ever. Learn more at www.ouc.dc.gov

Learn How to Become a Responsible Neighborhood Watch Volunteer - May 8 at Police Station

Are you interested in helping the police keep your neighborhood safe?  Then come to the next Neighborhood Watch Training on Tuesday, May 8 at the Second District Police Station at 3320 Idaho Avenue from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The training is free to anyone who wants to come learn the behaviors that criminals look for before committing their crimes. By learning what criminals look for, you can eliminate those behaviors and decrease your chances of being a crime victim. You will also learn how to be a block captain, if you are willing to take on that role for your block. We are hoping to have one person on every block of the city who will share information with their neighbors, and stay connected to MPD for up to the minute news about crime in the neighborhood.

This is the only training in the Second District for the month of May. You can learn more about the Neighborhood Watch Program here:
http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1242,q,560689,mpdcnav_gid,1523,mpdcnav,%7c.asp

If you are interested in taking the training, or if you have any questions about the training or Neighborhood Watch, please contact the Citywide Neighborhood Watch Trainer, Samantha Nolan at  nolantutor @ yahoo.com.

Second District Police Collecting Formal Wear for Teens

Photo by Sean McGrath

We're happy to pass along this request for donated formal wear for teens that was posted on the Second District Police Listserv:

Prom season is approaching, but for many teens in DC, this is a time of sadness. They want to attend their prom, but do not have prom attire to wear. Yearly, WPGC 95.5 (in association with State Farm Insurance, Once Upon a Prom, The Boys and Girls Club of Washington, and El Zol 107.9) has been sponsoring a gown and tux collection and giveaway for these kids. They call their drive "Operation Pretty and Polished."

The giveaway event will be held on April 21 from 9am - 3pm at the Boys and Girls Club at 4103 Benning Road NE. A current student ID is required to take part in the event.

If you have a clean gown or a clean tux (additions are needed: shirt, studs, cummerbund) or dress suit that you no longer need, please consider donating to this clothing drive. All sizes are needed from size 0 to size XXX.

There will be a box set up for donations at the Second District Police Station at 3320 Idaho Avenue, NW (behind the Giant at Wisconsin and Macomb). We collected 30 gowns from this neighborhood last year. Let's see if we can top that this year.

Please help turn a frown into a smile. Give these teens a chance to attend their prom.

Two Recent Arrests - MPD Police Reports

Arrests Made in Dupont Circle Mugging

This report came from Michael Reese, Commander of MPD-2D:
 On February 28, 2012 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a robbery force and violence occurred at 21st and P Street NW. The victim was knocked to the ground and property removed. 

The suspects fled and were apprehended in the area of 21st and Q Street NW. A 19 year old male and a 17 year juvenile male were arrested. Both reside in Washington, DC.

----

Police Chief Cathy Lanier has called attention to this report from Lt. John R. Haines of the Fourth District:

See the below posting from 4D. This is why reporting suspicious activity is SOOO important.

Tonight (February 28) around 6:15pm a call came into 911 for a subject breaking into a car in the 7700 block of Alaska Avenue Northwest. A concerned citizen observed a person enter a vehicle and remove several electronic items from the vehicle and then get on a bicycle and ride off towards Georgia Avenue. The caller gave a full description and direction of the suspect. Members of the Fourth District Vice Unit were working an operation in the area targeting Theft from Auto suspects and robberies. The members from the Vice Unit quickly converged on the area and started a grid search for the suspect. Within moments Officer Modl from the Vice Unit spotted a suspect matching the description at the 7-11 at Georgia Avenue and Geranium St NW. The officers approached the suspect and stopped him. They vice unit was able to make a positive identification that this was the suspect that broke into the car and they also recovered the electronic items that were stolen from the vehicle. The suspect was placed under arrest for Theft from Auto and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. 

Thank you to the concerned citizen who was able to quickly call 911 and get the information to the officers in the field who were able to make a quick apprehension and recover the property for the victim. This is a great example of how taking action can make a difference.

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

Police Alert for Armed Robbers in Friendship Heights

We received this crime look-out from the Second District Police:

On Monday, February 13, 2012, two armed robberies involving handguns occurred in the Friendship Heights area of the Second District, Patrol Service Area 202.

The first incident occurred at approximately 10:15 PM in the 5200 block of Western Avenue, NW, close to the intersection with Harrison Street. The victim reported that three armed perpetrators, all displaying handguns, approached her while she was walking within the block. The suspects then robbed the victim of her cell phone, currency, bank cards, etc. The suspects then fled the scene on foot, last seen running east within the 4500 block of Harrison Street NW.

The second incident occurred at approximately 10:20 PM in the 4300 block of Garrison Street NW close to the intersection with Wisconsin Avenue. Two victims reported while walking within the block they were approached from the rear by three perpetrators. One suspect struck one of the victims on the back of the head with a dark colored handgun. Both victims were then forced to the ground face down. The three perpetrators then forcibly removed property from the victims, including cell phones, currency, and personal papers. The suspects were last seen fleeing the location in an older model dark-colored vehicle. 

The perpetrators in both incidents were described as three black males, 5’10” to 6’0” with a medium build, wearing all black or dark blue clothing. In both cases, all three subjects were reported wearing ski masks concealing their faces.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Second District Detectives Office, 202-730-1903, or our Command Information Center, 202-727-9099. Last, it is strongly encouraged that anyone observing any suspicious activity within their community to please contact the Metropolitan Police by dialing 911.   

  

Lieutenant John M. Hedgecock

Metropolitan Police Department

Second District

Patrol Service Area 206

(202) 715-7340

Police to Step Up Patrols Around Windom Place in Response to Reported Crimes

We noticed this dialog about crime on Windom Place on the Second District Police email forum. The citizen's part of the dialog is in red, and Police Lt. Alan Hill's response is in blue.

There has been a troubling amount of crime activity on our block [the 3700 block] of Windom Place over the past two weeks. This is to request increased police patrols.

How is the crime spree on our block being addressed by MPD ?

Last week, when a neighbor witnessed a youth stealing something from a neighbor's car, he called the police. Then, a neighbor was assaulted. Now, it's reported that teenagers armored to break into a neighbors house while she was sleeping upstairs. (They ran when she saw them.)

I wonder if the principals at Wilson and Deal know that some teenagers tried to break into that house. Can MPD check into that and let us know via this forum? 

A few years back, I had to call the police because a large group of teenagers from Wilson was roaming the neighborhood; they came up our alley shouting and throwing stuff. The police said I should let the Wilson principal know about it, so I called her. She was very concerned, said she thought they were Wilson students and that she was going to follow up and address the issue. I was impressed - and pleasantly surprised - that Wilson's (then-) principal immediately assumed responsibility for her students. She also told me that students aren't "allowed" to be in neighborhoods after/during school, (unless of course, they live there or are visiting a friend). That same afternoon, a short time later, a student stabbed another student outside Tenley metro.

I'm truly concerned for our neighborhood. To many crimes have been committed/attempted over the past couple of weeks.


Re: Break-in attempt by teenagers on Windom Place

Thank you for writing and sharing your concerns. We share your concern as the corridors along Wisconsin and Reno Rd have seen increased activity of late. The Metropolitan Police Department deploys officers to both Wilson and Deal schools. At the conclusion of the school day the officers take secondary assignments called "safe passages" routes. The officers are posted in areas blocks away from the schools to assist the students in their travels back home and to help ensure the peace and tranquility of the neighborhoods that they travel through.

I too recognized the peculiar time of day that the youth tried to enter the home you speak of. Officer Michael Fisher has altered his tour of duty and is being deployed to the area at the conclusion of the school day to augment the safe passages program. You should see him on a police motorcycle or cruiser on the edges of the Tenley Circle neighborhoods.

The youth that possibly attempted to steal items out of a car was stopped and identified and the patrol units have been made aware of his activities in the area.

The Commander of the Second District has moved resources to the area in response to the crime patterns we are seeing. Patrol officers have made several stops in the area and have identified several individuals that have arrests for thefts from autos and robbery. These individuals are aware that we are aware of their presence in our community.

MPD works closely with the principle of Wilson and Deal. They are notified whenever one of their students is arrested.

Remember if you see any activity that strikes you as suspicious please dial 911 and let one of my patrol officers come out and investigate it real time. Thanks again

Lieutenant Alan E. Hill
Manager, Patrol Service Area 202
Second District
Metropolitan Police Department
3320 Idaho Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

Police Chief Cathy Lanier Meets with Citizens about Crime

The DC Federation of Citizens Associations is hosting an open meeting with Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier on Tuesday, January 24th. DC residents will have an opportunity to ask Chief Lanier questions about crime, violence and continuing traffic/pedestrian issues which negatively impact DC neighborhoods. Chief Lanier may also address concerns about the police response to the Occupy DC Movement, removing police officers from neighborhood patrols, street robberies, confrontations with panhandlers, lack of neighborhood traffic enforcement, thefts from autos, home break-ins and recent serious crimes.

Here are the meeting details:

What: DC Federation of Citizens Associations Hosting an Open Meeting with Police Chief Cathy Lanier

When: Tuesday, January 24, 6:45pm to 9:00pm

Where: All Souls Memorial Episcopalian Church, 2300 Cathedral Avenue, NW. The entrance to the meeting room is from the parking lot on Woodley Place.

MPD 2D Officer Comments on String of Recent Robberies in NW DC

On Tuesday All Life Is Local had this report on the latest string of street robberies in Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, Cleveland Park and nearby neighborhood. Police Lt. Alan Hill has been following up on questions received from citizens with a message posted on the police listserv:

Unlike the trend we saw in the middle of the year last year where "snatch and grab" juvenile robbers were specifically directed towards iPhones, these latest robbery suspects are taking all of the personal belongings that they can obtain (except clothing).

As far as victims, there were sporadic incidents of Robbery Force and Violence type offenses with multiple assailants (3 to 4) that would approach mostly female victims from behind and assault them to make them surrender their possessions.

These latest incidents differ [from last year's series of crimes] in that one or two armed suspects approach, man, woman or group, as long as they are in quiet dimly lit, sparsely populated areas.

While there are several differences in lookouts for the suspects and the techniques they use, there are a few similarities that can be shared.

All of the recent offenses involve one or two black males, mostly described as possibly young adults, and the heights have varied between 5'7" to 6'1" In these weekend robberies one or both suspects have been reported as being armed with a pistol. They have been described as wearing ski masks or "hoodies" and dark clothing or blue jeans. In most cases they have fled from the immediate area on foot. There have been two reports of a smaller black two-door type vehicle parked up the street.

There were minor injuries involved in the Robbery Force and Violence offenses as the suspects would immediately begin to punch their victims but there have been no injuries in these latest armed robberies.

These similarities are consistent with some of the information reported in robberies that were described last week in PSA 204 around 41st and Davis Street.

We continue to urge residents to be aware of their surroundings and choose your walking routes wisely. I have reviewed two cases where the victim was approached in an alley in the late evening.

If you notice a vehicle frequenting your neighborhood with no apparent destination or persons just sitting in a vehicle, DIAL 911 and give as thorough description as possible of the vehicle and the driver without bringing attention to yourself and most importantly the tag number or color of the plate and numbers.


Alan E. Hill
Lieutenant, Second District Metropolitan Police Department
alan.hill [at] dc.gov
202-506-0662

Police Meeting on Crime, Thursday, Jan 12 at 7:30pm Friendship Heights, Cleveland Park and Petworth

Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh has invited Second District Police Commander Michael
Reese to Thursday's ANC 3E meeting to discuss the recent string of robberies in the Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, and American University Park neighborhoods. (Police Chief Lanier has been invited, but it's not yet known if
she will attend.)

Commander Reese and other officers will talk about how the police are responding and what neighbors can do.

The ANC's meeting will be at St. Mary Armenian Church, 4125 Fessenden Street, NW, this Thursday, January 12 at 7:30pm.

-------------

The recent robberies prompted this exchange on the Cleveland Park Listserv:

There were 3 street robberies in our neighborhood Sunday night: See http://wapo.st/zjCezy .

From the article, here are the details:

6:30PM - Warren St. @ 36th St./Reno Rd.
6:35PM - 39th St @ Jenifer St./Reno Rd.
6:40PM - 2500 block of Porter St. (East of Connecticut Ave.)

If anyone has any more details, please post them.

Which prompted this informative reply:

I am able to provide a few more details regarding the reported 6:40 PM attack.  As I understand it, my roommate and a friend had just picked up a few groceries from Brookville when they headed towards his home in Mt. Pleasant. They were walking down Porter (near 2501) and were approached by two men (one of whom was armed) and were ordered to hand over all of their belongings (groceries included). They did as they were told and the two men left. The men were wearing scarves around their faces but my roommate believes they were in their late 20s. My friends called the police who responded immediately as they had
just dealt with a similar incident on Reno Road.

I remember reading about a very similar incident taking place on Porter Street not too long ago. It was still light out if I remember correctly. These events continue to serve as reminders that we should all be extremely cautious of our surroundings at all times. I also wonder about the reality and possibility of
having a patrol cop (or even a rent a cop type security person) down on detail near 2501 Porter. The frequency of these incidents is very alarming. Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts regarding the possibility of a patrol? I have no idea how much this would cost the city.

And this follow-up about similar crimes in Petworth:

Our neighborhood is not alone. There were a rash of street robberies in Petworth over the weekend, too: http://bit.ly/xOgYkL

The same robbers, perhaps?

Arrest Made in Felony Threats Incident on 45th Street, NW

The Second District Police reported that on New Year's Day an incident occurred on the sidewalk of the 4900 block of 45th Street, NW. Lt. Alan Hill updated the report with details about the arrest made in the case, and at the same time corrected the charge in the original report:

This offense was initially dispatched as a robbery in progress. There was a language barrier as the caller had a very strong accent. He initially reported something to the affect of this guy tried to rob me! Thus the DC Alerts page was sent out as a robbery. This is preliminary, unvetted information provided for situational awareness and is subject to change as the incident is being investigated .

Officer Pryor arrived on the scene and began to interview the complainant and learned that the complainants felt the individual may have mental issues. They report that the suspect approached the driver, a pizza delivery man, and demanded a ride while gesturing that he had a gun. The driver said "No!" The suspect then walked around to the passenger side and demanded that the passenger get out so that he could ride. The suspect yelled, "No, get out of here, we have work to do!" And the suspect left.

The suspect walked back past the location a half an hour later and MPD units responded to the area and stopped the individual. A positive identification was made on the scene and the suspect was placed under arrest for "Felony Threats" under the second sighting statute. The subject was thoroughly searched and was found not to have a weapon on his person.

The arrestee is known to occasionally frequent the area. He has a prior arrest around 41st and Legation so I will be sending his information to the detectives for a comparison against other crimes in that area.

The final disposition of this crime will be one arrest for Felony Threats and the event will be re-classified as a Felony threats in the MPD data bases.

Lieutenant Alan E. Hill
Manager, Patrol Service Area 202
Second District
Metropolitan Police Department
3320 Idaho Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

Recent Crimes Notes from the 2nd District Police

The "Watch Commander's Crime Update" from Lt. Victor Braschnewitz of the 2nd District MPD noted a number of violent crimes over the weekend. There are some lookouts for the suspects, as well.

The following information is a synopsis of crimes reported to the Metropolitan Police Department over the course of the last 8 hours beginning at 10:00 p.m., Friday, December 09, 2011, and ending at 6:00 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2011.

Driver in Routine Traffic Stop Caught with Unlicensed Handgun

On Friday, December 09, 2011, at 11:30 p.m. a Carrying a Pistol Without a License offense occurred in the 2100 block of P St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported by the MPD. The MPD reported that during a traffic arrest the driver was found to be in possession of a pistol without a license. The suspect was charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

Customer Punches Employee in the Face

On Friday, December 09, 2011, at 11:40 p.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 800 block of 16th. St., NW (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim, an employee, reported that while standing outside the location when a patron became irate and punched him on the side of his face. The subject was identified and the matter is under investigation.

-On Friday, December 09, 2011, at 11:45 p.m. a Theft/Two offense occurred in the 1500 block of 17th. St., NW (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

Cell Phones Stolen from Barstool

The victim reported that two unknown subjects were observed taking her cell phone which was resting on the top of a barstool inside the establishment. The suspects were last seen exiting the building and getting into a blue sedan which then drove south on 17th. St. NW. The suspects are described as:
#1-Black Male, 40-50 YOA, 6'0"-6'2", with a thin build, last seen wearing a black jacket and hat
#2-Black Female, 40-50 YOA, 5'5"-5'10", with a thin build, last seen wearing a violet colored jacket
The registration for the vehicle was not noted.

Woman Is Victim of Seemingly Random Assault (with Spitting)

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 12:30 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 1300 block of Connecticut Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that while standing outside of an establishment, an unknown subject approached her and stated "Are you serious?" spat on the victim and then smacked her on the side of her face. He was last seen running away from the location. The suspect is described as a Black Male, 24-26 YOA, 6'0"-6'1", with a medium build, light complexion, brown eyes and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black pants and a black shirt.

Fist Fight Results in Knockout, Victim Taken to Hospital

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 1:52 a.m. a Felony Assault offense occurred in the area of 1200 block of Wisconsin Ave., N.W. (PSA 206) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that a verbal altercation became physical when one of two subjects attempted to punched him in the facial area. The victim struck the suspect with a closed fist after which, both the suspect and a second subject began to punch the victim about the head and body. The victim lost consciousness and was transported to the hospital. The MPD was summoned, responded and arrested the two suspects before they were able to leave the scene. This is a closed case.

Bar Patron Insults, Hits Woman, Headlocks, Bites Her, Then Escapes

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 2:40 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the area of 14th. and U St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that a subject inside the establishment was calling female customers derogatory names. The victim verbally intervened and exited the store with the suspect. The suspect attempted to strike the victim with a closed fist but missed and was struck by the victim and ultimately put in a headlock on the ground. The suspect bit the victim on his arm and was last seen running away from the scene. The suspect is described as a Black Male, wearing a black jacket and red shirt.

Citizens Advisory Council Meeting at 2nd District Police Station on Wednesday

Here's an announcement about the next meeting of the Citizens Advisory Council to the 2nd District Metropolitan Police. This meeting is open to all, and scheduling of future meetings is on the agenda.

Please join your neighbors at the Citizens Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday November 30th. (The meeting was pushed back one week for Thanksgiving.) The meeting is held at the Police 2nd District Station House at 3320 Idaho NW, from 7PM to 8PM.

The CAC is a civic organization led by citizens established to work with the Police Dept.of the 2nd District on Public Safety matters.

The meetings are scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of each month, and regularly include honoring an "Officer of the Month" and a speaker.

At the meeting on November30th, we will discuss whether to vote to reduce the frequency of meetings from monthly to bi-monthly or quarterly (the vote will be at the Jan. 2012 meeting). This change has been suggested by members of the Police Department and of the Board of the CAC.

In addition, we will be honored to have Representatives of the DC Superior Court on the agenda to talk about the 2D/4D Community Court that will be in a courtroom located at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, and will start operating in January 2012.

Again, I sincerely hope you can attend on Nov. 30th.

Best regards,
George S. Corey
Chair, Citizens Advisory Council
for the Metropolitan Police 2nd District

Recent Crime Notes from MPD 2-D

Periodically we check over the crime reports posted by Lt. Victor Brashnewitz on behalf of the 2nd District Police, and highlight a few of the more noteworthy incidents. Here are a few from the most recent weekend report.

Burglar Floods House

Between Friday, November 18, 2011, 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 19, 2011, 2:50 a.m. a Burglary/Two and Destruction of Property/Felony offense occurred in the 2100 block of F St., N.W. (PSA 207) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that an unknown suspect(s) entered their room and stole a laptop computer. They also flooded the bathtub, which then cause extensive damage to the structure. 

Police Break Up Big Fight, Little Fight on Saturday

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 2:38 a.m. a Felony Assault offense occurred in the 3200 block of M St., N.W. (PSA 206) and was subsequently reported by the MPD. The MPD was summoned to the area for a large fight. Once on the scene, a subject was observed striking another individual multiple times about the face. The suspect was subdued, arrested and charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 4:30 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 1000 block of Connecticut Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The reporting person stated they observed a male subject run up to another individual and punch him in the head. The MPD was summoned and arrested the suspect. This is a closed case.

Person Barred from GW Campus Returns and Is Arrested

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 1:24 a.m. an Unlawful Entry offense occurred in the 800 block of 22nd St., N.W. (PSA 207, George Washington University) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The reporting person stated that a subject who was previously barred from the campus was found inside a classroom. The MPD was summoned and the suspect was arrested and charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

Crime Notes: Peeping Tom Reported in Glover Park

Here's a crime alert from a poster on the Glover Park Listserv:

Apologies for what may be an alarming email, but wanted to give everyone a heads up about an incident that occured last night. [This post appeared on Tuesday, November 15.]

I live in an apartment building on Calvert Street at 40th Street on the ground floor. I came home last night at midnight and opened one of the the windows in the bedroom as soon as I got home and pulled down the shades. A short while later, while adjusting the shades on one window I saw a shoulder. I pulled up the shades quickly on window two that was open and there was a man's face right there looking in. I screamed at the top of my lungs, "Get out of here" and he ran away.

We called the police and they showed up quickly to take a report and they didn't mention anything similar going on in the area. He was looking in a window located on Calvert Street which usually has heavy car/pedestrian traffic even that late.

On Sunday night, another one of my roommates noticed a man loitering around her windows (she is closer to sidewalk) and we dismissed it, but now I think it was likely this same man.  I don't have the best description other than clothing and build: He had darker skin, was stockier and about 5'7 to 5'10 in his late 30's to late 40's, gray track jacket with blue stripe down the sleeves; he was wearing a hat, I believe.

In case this is someone who does this often, I wanted to pass this along as word of warning.

Police Warn about Muggings in Tenleytown/Friendship Heights

After the latest crime report from the Second District Police, which included yet another mugging in the Tenleytown/Friendship Heights area, in response to a question from a citizen, Lt. Alan E. Hill discounted the possibility of a link between the muggings. Here is his account:

The complainant reports while walking from the metro, two suspects approached her from behind. Suspect #1 grabbed her and indicated that he had a weapon (though none was seen) suspect #2 grabbed the complainant's property and the complainant was struck above the eye. Both suspects then fled to a nearby vehicle. The vehicle was last seen heading northbound in the 4400 block of 43rd Street NW.

The victim was very shaken and the three suspects had on masks and gloves, so there is no usable lookout for the suspects.

A witness heard the commotion and reports seeing a vehicle leaving the block at a high rate of speed and describes the vehicle as a Dodge Charger four-door, black in color with tinted windows.

Stolen was assorted personal effects and electronic equipment.

There have been four robberies since August 1st in the Tenleytown and Friendship Heights area. While there is currently no information to link them together, we will continue to review each case for similarities. Pedestrians should note that with the onset of winter, weapons are more easily concealed and robberies
typically increase during this time of year. Universal precautions should be used. It is imperative that you be conscious of your surroundings.

Lieutenant Alan E. Hill
Manager, Patrol Service Area 202
Second District, Metropolitan Police Department
3320 Idaho Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-506-0662 cell

Crime Notes from the Second District Police

Here's another in our series of irregular reports on crimes from our local police district, MPD-2D:

Cell Phone Snatch

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. a Robbery/Snatch offense occurred in the 1600 block of Connecticut Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that while sitting at a table and eating, two subjects approached and snatched his cell phone from the table and fled the scene.

The suspects are described as:
#1-Black Male, 20-29 years of age, 5'9"-5'11", with brown eyes, short black hair, a medium complexion and a slim build, wearing a white shirt and blue pants.
#2- Black Male, 20-29 years of age, 6'0"-6'02", with brown eyes, short black hair, a medium complexion and a slim build, and wearing a black jacket.

Drunk, Threatening Boyfriend

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 10:40 p.m. a Threats in a Menacing Manner offense occurred in the 4200 block of Cathedral Ave., N.W. (PSA 205) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that a subject, with whom she maintains a romantic relationship with, came home and began drinking excessively. A short while later, he became irate and began to destroy property and threaten her well-being. The MPD was summoned to the scene and subsequently arrested the suspect. This is a closed case.

Cabbie Attacked for Failing to Take Credit Cards

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 1:54 a.m. a Felony Assault offense occurred in the 900 block of 23rd St., N.W. (PSA 207) and was subsequently reported to the MPD. The victim reported that two subjects got into his cab and requested to be transported to their destination. They asked if the victim accepted credit cards and when they learned he did not, they became irate and physically combative. The victim was struck multiple times by the suspects who then fled the scene. The MPD was summoned and a lookout was broadcast. The suspects were stopped a short distance away and subsequently were identified as the offenders. Both were arrested and transported to the Second District for processing where they were charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

Strange Crimes from the Second District Police Report

Of the crimes noted in MPD 2D Watch Commander Victor Baschnewitz's report last week, these two stood out: 

Four Guys Beating Up One Over Comments Made to Suspect's Girlfriend

On Sunday, October 16, 2011, at 12:10am a Simple Assault offence occurred in the area of 3200 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW (PSA 204) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The witness observed four suspects beating a fifth male victim on the sidewalk in the listed area. Prior to the assault, the victim and one of the suspects were arguing over comments made toward the suspect's girlfriend. After the assault, all four suspects got into a cab and left the area.

The suspects were described as:
#1 and #2: Unknown Ethnicity/Males, 32-38 years of age, 5'9"-6'0", 160-170 lbs.
#3 and #4-No description provided


Brothers Arrested in Public Fistfight

On Sunday, October 16, 2011, at 3:15am a Felony Assault offence occurred in the area of 4900 block of Butterworth St., NW (PSA 202) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victims involved in this offense are siblings and each assaulted the other with closed fists. Both suspects were arrested and charged accordingly. This is a closed case.

Some Recent Crime Notes from MPD-2D

Here's an account of some of the crimes that occurred in the Second District of the Metropolitan Police Department last week, taken from the "Watch Commander's Report" filed by Victor Baschnewitz:

Car Window Smashed With Rock

Between Friday, October 14, 2011, 11:45 p.m. and Saturday, October 15, 2011, 1:30 a.m. a Destruction of Property offense occurred in the 1800 block of New Hampshire Ave., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that while their vehicle sat parked and unoccupied in the area, an unknown suspect(s) smashed the passenger window with a rock. The window frame was also damaged. There is no lookout for this offense.

---

Taxi Driver Stiffed on Fare

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:00 a.m. a Theft/Two of Services offense occurred in the 2200 block of Wisconsin Ave., N.W. (PSA 204) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that after transporting a fare to their location, they were unable to pay for his services. The MPD was summoned and subsequently arrested the suspect. This is a closed case.

---

Barefoot Woman and Her Male Frriend Punched in the Face by Unknown Assailant

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:30 a.m. a Simple Assault offense occurred in the 1600 block of U St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victims reported that while walking in the area, they were approached by an unknown subject who told one of them she should have her shoes on. The female victim told the subject her feet were hurting. The male victim said his friend was fine after which the subject approached him and punched him in the face with a closed fist. The suspect then walked over to the female victim and punched her in the face. The suspect was last seen running from the scene, in the 1600 block of U St., N.W.

The suspect is described as a Black/Male, 25-30 years of age, 5'4"-5'-6", with short black hair, a medium complexion and a medium build. He was last seen wearing blue shorts.

---

Robber Takes Advantage of Man Who Passed Out, Empties His Pockets

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 4:55 a.m. a Robbery Force and Violence offense occurred in the 1800 block of M St., N.W. (PSA 208) and was subsequently reported to the MPD.

The victim reported that while asleep on the ground (passed out) he was picked up from the sidewalk by a subject who then went through his pockets. A witness engaged the suspect who stated he was trying to help the victim. The witnessed challenged the suspect's claim after which the suspect fled west on M St., N.W. Stolen were US Currency, a cell phone, and various credit/debit cards.

The suspect is described as a Black/Male, 40-43 years of age, 5'6"-5'7", 130-140 lbs. with brown eyes, a dark complexion and a stocky build. He was last seen wearing blue pants, and a gray hat and jacket.

Scary Crime of the Week: Ninja Muggers in Friendship Heights

Lt. Victor Braschnewitz of the Second District MPD reported the crime below, which occurred on Friday night:

The victim reported that at approximately 10:00 p.m., while walking home in the area of the 5300 block of Belt Road, NW, he was approached by two unknown subjects who were wearing all black clothing and full ski masks. The first suspect brandished a black handgun and ordered the victim to get on the ground. He then told the second suspect to search the victim. The second suspect removed a cell phone, cash and other personal items from the victim, after which both suspects were observed fleeing eastbound from the 5300 block of Belt Road, NW. The suspects were described as two males of unknown ethnicity, 5/9", 150 lbs. wearing all black clothing and ski masks.