“Suspicious Person; possible package thief on Irving St. NW between Warder and Park”

“Dear PoPville,

I live in an apartment building on Irving St NW, between Warder and Park. About a half an hour ago I went outside and I noticed a person standing on the front steps. He was an older black man, with short gray hair and a short gray beard. He was around 5’10-6′ tall and was wearing an army green puffy down jacket with a brownish fur-lined hood. At the time I noticed him there were three packages in my building’s mail area, definitely visible to this person. As I exited the building he stood in a manner which made me think he was going to try to catch the door after i walked away. Because I felt he was suspicious, I shut the door securely behind me after i left. I went outside to walk my dog, and when I returned I went in the back way and headed to the mail area in hopes of getting a better look at him. Sure enough he was still there, but when he saw me, he calmly, but quickly, walked up the street. I proceeded to remove the packages from the mail area and place them at the apartments to which they were addressed.

I went outside to see if he was hanging around and noticed him waiting at the end of the street, possibly for the light to change, but there weren’t any cars coming either way and he was free to cross. I couldn’t get a photo of him, unfortunately. He seemed to be heading west on Irving, towards Columbia Heights. My building management has informed me that they have noticed someone fitting this man’s description loitering on our steps before today.

I would like to spread the word about this guy as the holiday-package season kicks into full gear. My girlfriend and I lost 4 packages this way last year and it really kills the holiday vibes.”