Crime

New GAO Report – “Aircraft Noise: Military Helicopter Operators Should Improve Outreach to Affected Communities in the D.C. Area”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Folks might find this GAO report on rotorcraft noise in DC interesting. I spotted it while trying to figure out what the heck was going on with the two ospreys Monday.

GAO only studied through 2024 – I’d love to see the increase in below the altitude threshold choppers since January 2025.”

“Aircraft Noise: Military Helicopter Operators Should Improve Outreach to Affected Communities in the D.C. Area
GAO-26-107758 Published: Mar 23, 2026. Publicly Released: Mar 23, 2026.

Military, air medical, local law enforcement, and other helicopter operators conduct an average of about 91 flights in the Washington, D.C. area daily. Helicopter noise is an ongoing concern for some residents.

The Federal Aviation Administration and DOD have taken steps to address the effects of helicopter noise, e.g., by flying along FAA’s recommended helicopter routes. But military helicopter operators haven’t consistently met a DOD policy requirement to reach out and talk to communities affected by the noise.

We recommended doing the outreach to improve public understanding and acceptance of mission-essential helicopter flights.

What GAO Found (more…)

About the almost 100 Gunshots Fired Saturday Night in Hill East

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

The ANC Rep for the area, Ashley Schapitl, had posted:

“There was a shootout in our ANC last night. A family with kids is looking to move after 15 years here. A neighbor who has lived here 30 years said he’s never heard so many shots. I wish our mayoral candidates would stop pretending the District’s violent crime crisis is fixed.

Update: MPD recovered nearly 100 shell casings from this scene—horrifying. Local leaders are taking this with the seriousness it demands, and I want to thank @DCPoliceDept @LAppiah @Wendell_Felder @charlesallen for their work to investigate the incident and its root causes.”

“Statement From Councilmember Felder on March 14th Hill East Incident

The shooting that took place in Hill East the evening of Saturday March 14th was an upsetting experience for neighbors, and my thoughts go out to the families who were put in this dangerous situation. Since being made aware of the incident, I’ve visited the site and been in conversations with residents who live in the area. Residents have shared that they’ve repeatedly contacted MPD regarding this location and have submitted multiple 311 requests related to abandoned vehicles, trash accumulation, and illegal dumping nearby. (more…)

MPD seeks suspect in daytime shooting Sunday, March 1st in Columbia Heights.

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the suspect in a shooting in Columbia Heights.

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 3:26 p.m., Third District officers responded to the report of a shooting in the 1300 block of Columbia Road, Northwest. Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The suspect was captured by surveillance cameras in the area and can be seen in the pictures and video below: (more…)

“4 gunshots in Navy Yard.” 9:45pm Saturday Night “Juvenile apprehended”, Gun recovered.

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

“Dear PoPville,

4 gunshots in Navy Yard. Apparently an earlier fight at one of the bars among the drunk patrons. I’ve seen 2 sitting down passed out young people. I saw at the same time several young women trying to fight more (it was stopped by respective friends). Just a messy St, Patrick’s weekend night in a lot of ways. Tons of police were on scene quickly.”

From MPD: “MPD officers quickly apprehended a juvenile after the discharge of a firearm around 9:45 p.m. Saturday near First and M Street, SE. A firearm was recovered. No injuries occurred.”

Full release from MPD: (more…)

Dangerous Driving Update: “14 Maryland and Virginia drivers are legally obligated to pay to the District a total of $531,192 in unpaid fines, penalties and fees for traffic citations.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Office of the Attorney General (OAG):

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) won nine new judgments in lawsuits filed against dangerous drivers under the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act, in addition to entering into five settlements in STEER Act cases. As a result of these judgments and settlements, 14 Maryland and Virginia drivers are legally obligated to pay to the District a total of $531,192 in unpaid fines, penalties and fees for traffic citations. OAG also filed five new lawsuits against out-of-state dangerous drivers who have amassed a combined total of 1,966 driving infractions on DC roads and who collectively owe the District nearly $625,194. (more…)

Driver Crashes into Two Men Riding a Scooter Last Night, One Man Killed. Driver Fled the Scene.

By Prince Of Petworth


5400 block of Colorado Avenue, NW

From MPD:

“On Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 9:39 p.m., Fourth District officers responded to the 5400 block of Colorado Avenue, Northwest, for a report of a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a scooter. Upon arrival, officers located two males who were injured and riding on a single scooter. (more…)

About that Huge Police Response on 16th Street Last Night (originating at 14th and U St, NW)

By Prince Of Petworth


16th Street, NW between Q and Corcoran

From MPD:

“On Friday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 12:12 a.m., Third District officers were flagged down near the intersection of 14th Street, NW, and U Street, NW, for the report of a man making threats while brandishing a knife. Officers located the suspect, still brandishing a knife, in the 1600 block of 16th Street, Northwest. (more…)

DC AG: “Talea Ristorante and Owner Owe Harmed Workers More than $1.3 Million in Restitution”

By Prince Of Petworth


3228 Wisconsin Avenue, NW previously home to Cafe Deluxe

From the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG):

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) secured a $1.75 million judgment against Talea Ristorante and its owner, Hamza Hadani, for systematically stealing employees’ wages and violating numerous laws that protect District workers.

The judgment requires Talea and Hadani to pay $1,332,408 in restitution to 95 harmed restaurant workers, (more…)

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