MPD Seeks Suspect in First Degree Sexual Abuse while Armed in Area of the 700 Block of Barnes St, NE around 11am UPDATE: Arrest Made

From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with a First Degree Sexual Abuse while Armed which occurred in the area of the 700 block of Barnes Street NE.

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, at approximately 11:00 am, an adult female was walking in the area, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and forced the victim alongside a residence where he sexually assaulted her. The suspect fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a black male, 20 years of age, medium build, brown complexion, and goatee.

Anyone with information should call 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”

UPDATE from MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department has announced that an arrest has been made in the first degree sexual assault while armed/kidnapping and related offenses that occurred adjacent to the footbridge along Minnesota Avenue NE.

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, at approximately 11:00 am, an adult female was walking in the area of the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect. The suspect produced a handgun and forced the victim along side a residence in the 700 block of Barnes Street, NE, where he sexually assaulted her. The suspect fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at approximately 11:30 am, an adult female was walking in the area of the 700 block of 44th Street, NE, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect. The suspect suggested he had a handgun and forced the victim to walk with him. After walking a short distance, the suspect attempted to forcibly take personal belongings from the victim. She fought him off and escaped. No property was taken.

On Friday, March 7, 2014, at approximately 7:05 am, a juvenile female was walking in the area of the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect. The suspect suggested he had a handgun and forced the victim to walk with him. After walking a short distance, the victim was able to escape the suspect.

On Friday, March 7, 2014, at approximately 7:25 am, a juvenile female was walking in the area of the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect. The suspect asked her to come to him. The victim refused and immediately fled before any offense occurred.

On Thursday, March 13, 2014, 22-year-old Gerald Canty of Northeast, DC was arrested and charged with three counts of Kidnapping, First Degree Sexual Abuse while Armed, and Assault with the Intent to Rob.

This case was closed through an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigative Units in coordination with Sixth District patrol officers and the Metro Transit Police.”