There was a shooting in the Petworth Safeway Parking lot (3830 Georgia Ave NW) around 8:30pm Tuesday evening. I will first give official reports, reader emails then I will tell you what I learned on my own.

First from MPD Commander Linda Brown:

“4d units on the scene of a shooting in front of the safeway at Georgia and Randolph. Male victim transported to local hospital in critical condition. Lookout for 3-5 black males last seen running behind the safeway. Anyone with any information about this incident, please call 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM(e).”

From CM Muriel Bowser:

“Neighbors- I regret to inform you that MPD is investigating a shooting on Georgia Avenue in front of the Petworth Safeway. I’m currently on the scene with Chief Cathy Lanier.

Please see description of the incident and lookout information posted by Commander Brown below. MPD will alert us to details as they become available.”

From a reader:

“I live on the 800 block of Quincy St NW and heard two gunshots shortly after 8 tonight. About 15 minutes later, police were taping off my block and a helicopter was circling overhead. If you have any info on this, I’m sure our fellow Petworth residents would appreciate hearing about it.”

Thanks to all the readers who sent in reports of shots fired, street closings and police presence. I was out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle when I got into a cab and realized I had about a dozen emails about this incident. I got out of the cab at my house and asked a neighbor if she heard anything.

Only when I got a few steps closer did I realize she was crying. Apparently the person shot was a youth of only 15 or 16 years old who was friends with her son. She said the boy shot was returning from the Theodore Roosevelt Football game. She said he was shot twice in the head and has passed away is currently in critical condition at the hospital. I will have to confirm this info as it is released from the authorities but I have no reason to doubt her. My neighbor was understandably upset and was very worried about her own children. These incidents are so painfully sad. They really illustrate the two worlds that exist within many DC neighborhoods.

More info as it becomes available from the authorities.



600 block of Columbia Road, NW

Ever since I asked folks about what ethnic restaurant their neighborhood was missing, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for delis (since they were mentioned a few times). I noticed Jack’s Delicatessen located on the 600 block of Columbia Road, NW not far from Georgia Ave. I’m wondering if any of the long term residents remember this spot? Do you think a deli located on a residential block like this could do good business?


“Dear PoP,

I heard about this business in the U Street Corridor ( The Good Racquet – Tennis Lessons and Racquet Stringing) and I was wondering if anyone has used it and has any comments!”

I checked out their location on W Street but it seems to be a residence. Any tennis players out there use this service or take some lessons? Well, if you bust a string this seems like a good option for the future.


This is an interesting development as it seems they’ve bricked the top part. I wonder if the whole building will eventually be bricked. I was kinda digging the light color but will be interested to see how this one turns out.


Someone referred to this gentleman in a previous comment thread. He plays the bongos in a balcony in the Park Place building above the Petworth metro. While I’m glad I don’t live directly next door to him, I think he’s pretty awesome.


What can I say, I’m a sucker for bay windows. (Located near 16th and U) I’m still not sure how I feel about gas lit lamps. I think I like ’em:


I spoke with the owners who also run the wine and convenience store next door. I asked if they were closed just for winter but they are unsure at the moment if the Yogurt section will reopen. They said that there was a problem with their HVAC. In order to reopen it will depend on how much space the new HVAC unit takes up. In the meantime you can still check out the nearby Caliyogurt at 2473 18th Street, NW.

Do folks eat frozen yogurt in the colder months?


A reader thought you guys would enjoy this article from Slate titled, Stop Means Stop, How do we get bikers to obey traffic laws? One part of the article cites DC Code:

The D.C. Code recognizes the special status of bikes. Bikes shall follow all traffic laws, the code says, except for rules that “can have no reasonable application to a bicycle operator.” Presumably, this refers to laws governing highways, some sidewalks, and other non-bicycle-friendly turf. It doesn’t apply to the stop-sign scenario, even though some bicycle advocates argue that stop signs “have no reasonable application to a bicycle operator.”

Given all the discussions we’ve had on this issue and all the accidents we’ve heard about, it seems erring on the side of safety and following the rules of the road is probably the wisest action.


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