kidnapping
google maps

Ed. Note: Via email I was told the victim was released unharmed.

From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division seeks the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in connection with a kidnapping that occurred in the 3400 block of O Street, Northwest.

On Thursday, January 26, 2016, at approximately 3:20 pm, a suspect forced the victim into a vehicle and drove away. The suspect made several attempts to force the victim to withdraw money from an automated teller machines (ATM) and make large purchases at retail locations, both in the District of Columbia and Maryland. The suspect and victim are known to have been in the 4500 and 5400 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, Northwest.

The suspect is described as white male in his late 30’s to 40’s, 5’9’’-6’0’’ tall, with a medium build, dark colored hair, dark colored mustache, and beard. He was last seen wearing a black suit, black shirt, gray neck tie, and black shoes.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a light gray or silver colored sport-utility vehicle (SUV) or crossover style four door of an unknown make or model.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, information may be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”


pain two

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit have announced an arrest has been made in connection with a Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse offense that occurred in the Third District.

On January 25, 2017, at approximately 2:00 am, the victim was walking in the 1600 block of 7th Street, Northwest, when the suspect groped her. The victim then called 911, and the suspect was apprehended a short distance away by responding officers.

Arrested was 57-year-old Michael Hilliard, of no fixed address. He was charged with Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse.”

“Dear PoPville,

This is the guy who groped three women in Logan Circle area two weeks ago. Judge Robert Morin ordered him released, and even turned down a request that he wear a GPS. Said he was homeless and couldn’t keep it charged. Of course Hilliard has a cell phone and manages to keep that charged. And Hilliard is arrested early Wednesday morning for another sexual assault on another woman.

At the hearing where he was released, his attorney referred to the sexual assaults as “misbehavior.” (See WaPo article.)

MPD keeps arresting this guy, and yet he keeps getting put back on the streets. Cathy Lanier was right when – going out the door – she said the District’s justice system is broken.

Half a million people marched Saturday for the safety and dignity of women, and yet we allow this to continue to happen on streets in our neighborhood – just blocks away from the march.”

Another reader asks:

“How many times do you need to assault a woman before you’re removed from the streets? Full disclosure–not strong in law, so I don’t know.

But where’s the justice? I believe Hilliard has a trial date set for his most recent trio of assault on the 2nd of February. I don’t know what power anyone has to get him off the streets, but I hope we can at least get his picture up so people know to steer clear of this fellow.”


assaults
via google maps

Katie reports:

“Two assaults around 7p tonight at 13th & S NW, 14th & Riggs – group of teens victimized women walking alone. Please be careful!!”

Unrelated but Kristin also reported last night:

“screams of help heard, then people running outside our apt @ 15th & Mass NW. Now 4 police cars. Mugging on such a busy street??”


nats park shooting
Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering

A reader sends this story from NBC Washington:

“Police were called to the Center Field gate just after 10 a.m. for a report of a shooting.

One man was shot in the face, according to police. His current condition is unknown.”

Update from MPD:

“Alert:Shooting at Half & N St. SE .LOF for B/M, 5’3″, 19-20 YOA wearing light brown jacket. L/S S/B on South Capital in a Black Impala”


trash bags
via google maps

Thanks to Justin for passing on this odd MPD alert:

“Alert: Armed Carjacking at 0210 hrs in the 1100 block of 4th Street, NE. Lookout for a B/M, wearing dark colored hooded sweatshirt, carrying a large amount of black trash bags and armed with a handgun; last seen in a green Elite taxi cab #132, Ford Crown Victoria bearing DC tag H91646.”


shooting
via google maps

From AlertDC:

“Alert: Shooting at 1104 hours in the 4000 block of Arkansas Ave, NW. Lookout for S1: H/M; S2: B/M, wearing a black and white Helly Henson jacket, black pants, and white tennis shoes last seen in a black sedan bearing Maryland tags.”

Update from MPD:

“On today’s date at approximately 10:58 A.M., the fourth district police officers responded to the 4000 Block of Arkansas Avenue, NW, DC, for the sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from a non-life threating gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The suspects fled the scene in a Black vehicle (prior to the arrival of MPD) at a high rate of speed in an unknown directions.

Anyone with information related to this offense is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department’s Command Information Center at 202-727-9099.”


resources
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

From the Network for Victim Recovery of DC:

“As we wish a peaceful and safe weekend for all in attendance, we believe it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected.

If you or someone around you experiences a violent crime during DC’s upcoming events, we want you to be aware of two resources available to you 24/7. The DC Victim Hotline provides free confidential, around-the-clock information and referrals for victims of ALL CRIME in the District of Columbia. The hotline number is 1-844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732) and can be reached by phone, text, or online chat.

Secondly, any victim of a sexual assault that happens in DC and is seeks a medical forensic exam can be accompanied at Washington Hospital Center by a professional advocate from the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC). NVRDC is the sole organization providing this service in the District of Columbia and they respond to the hospital 24/7 during inauguration weekend and every other day of the year. (more…)


8th and L
via google maps

“Dear PoPville,

Wanted to submit the following from our local list-serv…

“There have been two incidents of assaults in the last 24 hours at the corner of 8th St and L St NE. The police are actively looking for the individual who is described as: a black male, 190+, 5’8″, cropped hair, no facial hair, 20s, wearing blue jeans, a cream sweatshirt and red vest. Please keep an eye out and call the police if you see anyone matching this description!”

And I wanted to add a Props to the Cops (I was one of the victims): After I called to report the assault, the initial police team responded quickly and stayed with me until the special-unit detective arrived. The detective was kind and effective during the interview, and then stayed for an hour going around the block seeking camera footage and providing the description to neighbors. Then I received a call from the Victims’ Services unit, where I had been assigned an advocate. She called me to check in and offer access to free counseling. She also made sure I had all the contact info if I wanted to follow up. Every single person I have interacted with from the police has been very helpful and kind, and they made it clear they take these things seriously, which made me feel much safer in our neighborhood. Thanks to the police!!”


shots ledroit
via google maps

Around 10:45am @PoPville started getting a number of messages about a large police response in LeDroit Park/Shaw:

“Helicopter circling over 5th/T st area. Tons of sirens. Anyone have info?”

“something is definitely going on. Streets are blocked at 4th & 5th st!!”

“Anymore news on what’s happening in Shaw? Just saw secret service rushing past my house”

“buddy of mine lives right there. Said the cops were chasing someone in a car. Shots were fired. not sure of the exact location of the shots fired. Sounds like there was a foot chase at some point too.”

“streets are blocked at 6th at T and @DCPoliceDept says investigation is at 6th/ T.”

Updates when official word comes from MPD.

Update: “MPD responded to a shots fired call. Chief and PIO briefing the media at 6th & T.”

Full report from MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department responded to an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Unit block of W Street, Northwest, on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

At approximately 9:46 am, an off-duty MPD officer contacted police saying he had been shot at multiple times at 3rd and U Streets, Northeast. He gave a description of the suspect vehicle, and after a search, officers were able to locate the vehicle operating in the area of the Unit block of W Street, Northwest. As MPD officers approached the vehicle on foot, one of the officers discharged his service weapon. No one was hit, and no injuries were sustained. The suspect fled in the vehicle and was later apprehended in the 1900 block of 5th Street, Northwest. A handgun was recovered from the flight path of the vehicle.

Arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Possession with Intent to Distribute, Fleeing and Eluding and Leaving after Colliding was 29-year-old Edward Darnell Bolling, Jr. of Sacramento, California.

No pedestrians or officers were injured during this incident. This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099.”


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