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Props to the Cops – Arrests in Recent Robberies

By Prince Of Petworth

Mpd_robbery_arrests_dc2
Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

Below are recent robbery arrests made within the last week.

First District

Sunday, March 17, 2013, at approximately 3:30 am, a complainant was walking in the 1200 block of H Street, NE, when she was approached by two males who punched her about the face and body, knocking her to the ground. Taken was an ATM card. One adult male was arrested and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence).

Monday, March 18, 2013, at approximately 11:30 am, a complainant reports while walking in the 1800 block of Constitution Avenue, NE, he was approached by several suspects who demanded his cell phone. When the complainant refused, the suspects punched the victim in the face and took his property. Two juveniles were arrested and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence).

Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at approximately 3:30 pm, a complainant reports while walking in the 800 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, two suspects approached, assaulted him, and took his wallet and cell phone. Two juvenile males were arrested on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence).

Second District

Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at approximately 4:46 pm, complainant reports that while inside a restaurant located in the 2100 block of I Street, NW, a suspect snatched his wallet out of his jacket. Two witnesses saw the incident and blocked the suspect from leaving the restaurant. The witnesses were able to hold down the suspect until the police arrived. An adult male was arrested for Robbery (Pick Pocket) and Simple Assault.

Third District

Saturday, March 16, 2013, at approximately 12:04 am, a complainant reports while walking in the 900 block of U Street, NW, an unknown male walked by her, unzipped her purse and took her cell phone out of her purse. Security from the listed location held the suspects until police arrived. Two adult males were arrested and charged with Robbery (Pick Pocket).

Sunday, March 17, 2013, at approximately 12:45 am, a complainant reports while inside an establishment located in the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, a suspect walked by and brushed against her, placed his hand inside her purse and took her cell phone. Security at that location held the suspect until police arrived. An adult male was arrested and charged with Robbery (Pick Pocket).

Fourth District

Saturday, March 16, 2013, at approximately 9:45 am, a complainant reports while sitting inside his vehicle located at 16th and Newton Street, NW, he was approached by an unknown male who announced a robbery. A struggle ensued and the suspect snatched the complainant’s cell phone. An adult male was arrested and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence).

Sunday, March 17, 2013, at approximately 5:45 pm, a complainant reports while walking in the 3900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, he was approached by five males who began punching him. The complainant dropped his phone during the assault and a suspect picked it up. All suspects fled the scene. A male juvenile was arrested and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence)

Fifth District

Saturday, March 16, 2013, at approximately 7:37 pm, a complainant reports while walking in the 2400 block of 4th Street, NE, he was approached by a large group of males and females. One of the suspects grabbed the complainant and threw him to the ground. The other suspects punched and kicked the complainant. Taken was a pair of Timberland boots, a North Face jacket and two cell phones. Three juvenile males were arrested and charged with Robbery (Force and Violence).

Saturday, March 16, 2013, at approximately 9:01 pm, a complainant reports that while walking in the area of Mt. Olivet Road and West Virginia Avenue, NE, a male approached him and snatched U.S. currency from his hand. An adult male was arrested and charged with Robbery (Snatch).

Anyone who is the victim of a crime or witnesses a crime in progress should call 911 immediately. Individuals who have information regarding crimes should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

Arrest Made In Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run: 1100 Block of Florida Avenue, NE

By Prince Of Petworth


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From MPD:

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Unit announced that an arrest has been made in a fatal pedestrian hit and run collision that occurred in the 1100 block of Florida Avenue, NE.

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at approximately 8:21 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to a pedestrian traffic collision in the 1100 block of Florida Avenue, NE. The investigation revealed the driver of a silver 2010 Mercury Mountaineer was traveling eastbound in the right lane as the pedestrian was walking north to south in a marked crosswalk. The driver of the Mercury Mountaineer struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the pedestrian to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

The vehicle was later located on Elliott and F Streets, NE. The driver, 32 year-old Joel Russell Bromwell of Annapolis, MD, was later located in the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. He was arrested and charged with Involuntary Manslaughter.

The decedent has been identified as 71 year-old Ruby Whitfield of Northeast, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Unit is investigating this crash.

Props to the Cops – “Third District officers have arrested subjects for the robbery of cell phones from patrons out enjoying the cities nightlife”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

Readers recently warned about thefts at bars here and here.

From MPD:

Two very important Robbery Arrest

For the second time in as many nights, Third District officers have arrested subjects for the robbery of cell phones from patrons out enjoying the cities nightlife. In the first case, 901 U street, the victim had her cell phone stolen from her purse while she was positioned at the bar area of the establishment. In the later case, 2447 18th Street, a subject was observed by witnesses pick pocketing cell phones from various patrons also at the bar area of this establishment.

In both cases, the subjects were stopped and arrested and the cell phones were recovered. The subject in the 18th Street case was actually in possession of 5 cell phones in total when stopped (further investigation revealed that 3 of those phones were stolen from (3) separate victims inside of the establishment)

While MPD is happy to announce the closures in these cases, we would like to remind all to safeguard their property when out in public. Both these cases are similar in nature as to the environment the crime occurred and the manner to which the subjects sought out their victims. We suggest that everyone try and maintain an awareness of their surroundings at all times and carry with them the least amount of valuable property as possible. In the event that you are a victim or witness of any crime, try to obtain as much information as possible about the subject involved as well as have the indentifying marks, serial numbers or codes to any property taken on hand or readily accessible. Thank you and let’s continue to make our streets safer daily.

Is This Your Stolen Bike? MPD Posts Monthly Photos of Stolen and Abandoned Bikes

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo via Metropolitan Police Department, Evidence Control D

Thanks to Sean for sending the link from MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department recovers hundreds of stolen and abandoned bicycles every year. This property is inventoried by the MPD’s Evidence Control Division. Property not claimed within 90 days of recovery is considered abandoned. The MPD will advertise this property as abandoned and may dispose of any property not claimed within the designated timeframe. Bicycles not claimed may be auctioned through www.govdeals.com or donated. Before the recovered bicycles are auctioned or donated, images will be posted online.

The Property Clerk of the Metropolitan Police Department hereby gives notice of the custody of the following property and his intention to sell or otherwise dispose of such property in accordance with the District of Columbia’s code 5-119.

Any person or entity having a right of claim to any item of property pictured online must appear in person to:

Evidence Control Division
# 17 DC Village Lane, SW
Washington, DC 20032
(202) 727-3230

To claim property pictured on this site, individuals must provide the MPD’s Evidence Control Division with the following information:

Government Identification
Bar code included with the bicycle image
Proof of ownership of bicycle OR documentation that a police report was filed (CCN)

See bikes posted in Feb. here.

Props to the Cops

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user wolfkann

Dear PoPville,

I drove over the Memorial Bridge into DC just after midnight tonight, and came across two policemen who had stopped for a motorist with a flat tire. They blocked the lane with their own cars, set out flares, and were out in the windy, 32 degree evening helping to put on the spare.

I don’t think tire-changing is part of the MPD’s typical service list, and the car wasn’t impeding traffic, so thought it was nice of them to go out of their way on such a cold night.

Six Teenagers Indicted for Murder and Other Charges In Slaying at Woodley Park Metro Station

By Prince Of Petworth

In Nov. 2012 we learned of a Homicide and Aggravated Assault inside the Woodley Park metro. Yesterday an indictment was made – details from a press release:

Six teenagers, all from Maryland, were indicted today on murder, armed robbery, and other charges stemming from the slaying last fall of 18-year-old Olijawon Griffin at the Woodley Park Metro station, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Michael Taborn, Chief of the Metro Transit Police.

The defendants, charged as adults, were indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They have been in custody since their arrests last year.

Only one of the six defendants – Chavez Myers, 17 – previously was charged with the murder. The indictment alleges that all six teenagers are responsible for Mr. Griffin’s death.

In addition to Myers, of District Heights, the defendants include Muquan Cawthorne, 16, of Mount Rainier; Isaiah Gant, 16, of Hyattsville; Gary Maye, 17, of Hyattsville; Deon Jefferson, 17, of Landover, and Immanuel Swann, 17, of Brentwood.

Myers was indicted on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and the others were indicted on a charge of felony murder. In addition, all six defendants were indicted on charges of armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault causing significant bodily injury, and weapons offenses for their roles in attacks on Mr. Griffin and one of his friends. If convicted, the defendants could face decades in prison for the crimes.

The six teenagers, and three others not identified by name in the indictment, allegedly conspired on Nov. 16, 2012 and Nov. 17, 2012 to commit robberies in the District of Columbia. According to the indictment, plans called for robbing people of their iPhones and other items of value. The group took a Metro train on the night of Nov. 16, 2012, from the West Hyattsville, Md. station to the Gallery Place/Chinatown station in Northwest Washington. From there, they took another train to the Woodley Park Metro station to begin their crimes, the indictment states.

After leaving the Metro station, they crossed the Duke Ellington Bridge to the Adams Morgan area to find targets, the indictment alleges.

The indictment alleges that the group decided to target Mr. Griffin shortly after midnight, early Nov. 17, attacking him near a gas station in the 1800 block of Adams Mill Road NW. Cawthorne, who was carrying a gun, gave it to Maye, and Maye pointed it at Mr. Griffin, the indictment alleges. Mr. Griffin was robbed of his Helly Hansen coat and hat. The nine assailants then walked back toward the Woodley Park Metro station, intending to take a train back to West Hyattsville, the indictment states, and Jefferson was wearing Mr. Griffin’s coat.

Continues after the jump. (more…)

Six Members of “Show Out” Crew Plead Guilty To Charges in Series of Assaults in Chinatown, U Street and Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

In Nov. 2012 we first heard “Eight men and one woman have been indicted on conspiracy and other charges alleging that they were part of a gang that committed robberies, assaults, thefts and other crimes.”

Update from MPD:

Six men, all from Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to charges stemming from various gang-related crimes, including beatings, attempted robberies, and obstructing justice, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The defendants admitted actively participating in a crew called “Show Out” that committed crimes in the Chinatown, U Street and Adams Morgan areas. Since at least Jan. 1, 2012, the crew’s members canvassed the areas looking for targets of opportunity and teamed up to assault their victims, rob them of items of value, or both. The crew was also accused of engaging in “flash mob” style robberies at drug stores, convenience stores, and gas stations, in which multiple members flooded in to the business at the same time, overwhelming and intimidating the staff, and stealing items.

The guilty pleas took place in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2013. All six defendants remain in custody pending sentencing.

Those pleading guilty included Bernard Trowell, also known as “McLovin,”19, described in an indictment as “the self-styled president” of the group, and two others who allegedly had senior positions, identified as Deandre M. Williams, 19, and Quayshawn L. Leggett, 20. Also pleading guilty were James D. Matheny, 19; Ricardo J. Williams, 20, and Travis L. Morris, 20.

Trowell pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, aggravated assault, and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison for the crimes. Deandre Williams pled guilty to one count each of aggravated assault, assault with significant bodily injury, obstructing justice, and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 48 years in prison. Leggett pled guilty to one count each of aggravated assault, attempted robbery, and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 18 years in prison.

Matheny pled guilty to one count each of aggravated assault, obstructing justice, threats to do bodily harm, and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 45 ½ years in prison. Ricardo Williams pled guilty to one count each of aggravated assault, attempted robbery, and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 18 years in prison. Morris pled guilty to one count each of aggravated assault and committing a crime while affiliated with a criminal street gang. He faces a statutory maximum of 15 years in prison.

Two other defendants in the case earlier pled guilty to charges, and a third adult member of the crew is being sought. The investigation into other members of the crew is ongoing.

“Today’s guilty pleas by six members of the Show Out Crew should serve as a warning to young people tempted by the lure of gang life,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “This violent group took pleasure in targeting innocent victims for beatings and robberies. As a result of the decision to participate in this crew violence, each of these criminals – none older than twenty –will now spend many years behind bars. This prosecution demonstrates our clear resolve to crush the gangs that terrorize our city.”

“The gratuitous, unprovoked robberies and assaults perpetrated by this gang were motivated primarily by the gang’s desire to establish credibility and notoriety, which was promoted by the gang through social media,” said Chief Lanier. “They preyed upon individuals whom they perceived to be vulnerable. I applaud the officers and detectives from the First District, the members of the Intelligence Division and our partners at the US Attorney’s Office for getting these thugs off our streets.”

Continues after the jump including specific incidents: (more…)

Props to the Cops – Arrests in Recent Robberies

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

Due to community concerns regarding robberies, the Metropolitan Police Department is releasing information on recent robbery arrests. Members of the public have been helpful in providing information that has led to arrests and MPD encourages members of the public to visit our YouTube page, view videos of cases, and contact police if they recognize persons of interest.

Below are recent robbery arrests made within the last week.

First District

Monday, February 11, 2013, at approximately 8:35 am, two complainants reported that a suspect entered an establishment in the 400 block of 8th Street, SE. The suspect passed a note stating he had a gun and demanded U.S. currency. An adult male was arrested for Robbery (Fear) of an establishment.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at approximately 9:45 pm, a complainant reports while walking through the park in the 1100 block of 4th Street SW, she was approached by a suspect who snatched her purse from her hands. A juvenile male was arrested for Robbery (Snatch).

Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at approximately 12:05 pm, a complainant was in the 700 block of 8th Street NE, when three suspects attempted to rob him of his bag. A struggle ensued and the suspects fled in a vehicle. The suspects were later stopped and identified as also being involved in a robbery in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue NE, in the Fifth District. Three adult males were arrested for Robbery while Armed (Gun).

Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at approximately 2:48 pm, a complainant reports she was approached by two males while in the 800 block of North Capitol Street NE, who punched her in the face, took her cell then fled. Arrested were two male juveniles for Robbery (Force and Violence).

· Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at approximately 9:47pm, a complainant was in the 1100 block of 4th Street SW, when a suspect approached and announced a robbery. The suspect snatched the victim’s purse and fled. A lookout was broadcast and the suspect was apprehended. A male juvenile was arrested for Robbery (Snatch).

Fourth District

Friday, February 8, 2013, at approximately 2:40 pm, a complainant reports that while in a building in the 1600 block of Park Road NW, a suspect approached him and demanded money. The complainant gave the suspect his bag and U.S. currency. An adult male was arrested for Robbery While Armed (Knife).

Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at approximately 5:25 pm in the 4100 block of Georgia Avenue NW, a complainant reports he was approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects snatched a pair of earphones from around the complainant’s neck and both fled. Arrested were two male juveniles for Robbery (Snatch).

Continues after the jump. (more…)

“Two District Men Sentenced to 12-Year Prison Terms On Carjacking and Robbery Charges”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

Robert Jeter, 19, and Davon Watkins, 18, both from Washington, D.C., were each sentenced today to 12 years in prison for carjacking one victim and committing an armed robbery against another victim within a matter of hours, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

Jeter and Watkins pled guilty in October 2012 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Gerald I. Fisher sentenced them to seven years in prison on the carjacking charge and an additional five years for the armed robbery.

According to the government’s evidence, the defendants approached the carjacking victim at about 10:30 p.m. on June 21, 2012 as he was walking from his car in a parking lot behind 1400 block of Irving Street NW. Watkins put a gun to the victim’s head while Jeter took the victim’s wallet and cell phone. Watkins then demanded the victim’s car keys. Watkins and Jeter then got into the victim’s car and fled the scene.

About six hours later, at about 4:15 a.m. on June 22, 2012, Jeter and Watkins approached the armed robbery victim as he was walking on Mount Pleasant Street NW. They knocked the victim to the ground, put guns to his head, and took his wallet and cell phone.

About 15 minutes after the armed robbery, police spotted the car taken in the earlier carjacking. The defendants ultimately abandoned the car and fled on foot. They were apprehended in the 1100 block of Clifton Street NW. The armed robbery victim’s cell phone was found in the center console of the stolen car. Fingerprint and DNA evidence analyzed by the D.C. Forensics Laboratory tied Jeter and Watkins to the stolen car.

In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the efforts of the detectives, officers, crime scene technicians, and forensic analysts who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Barlotta, Vivien Cockburn, Bridget Fitzpatrick, and Jonathan Kravis, who investigated and obtained the indictment in the case.

MPD Announces Big Drug Bust in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user KJinDC

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District Vice Unit along with detectives from the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division and agents of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the arrest of nine individuals following a months-long investigation into violence and drug dealing in the Shaw community. Charges include firearms violations, drug distribution and robbery.

During the course of this investigation crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and other evidence associated with these crimes were seized. Police served search warrants in various sections of the District of Columbia including the Shaw area near 8th and R Streets NW, where the group was based. Investigations are ongoing as MPD continues to address citizens’ complaints of loitering and drug dealing.

“This is significant for this community as many of the suspects who were charged did not reside in that neighborhood, but loitered there and committed violent crimes,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “This operation is part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s continued commitment to reduce crime in our neighborhoods.”

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