Brightwood

“Dear Popville,

While I fully acknowledge that even a strong police force can’t prevent all crime, I do expect the police to have at least some deterrent effect. Which is what makes Friday’s armed robbery directly in front of the 4D headquarters so disturbing. Two men, armed with at least one handgun, were able to rob someone in broad daylight and have not been caught as of the next morning. I live nearby, and can vouch that there are almost always cops sitting in a van in the station parking lot, looking out onto the street. For these criminals to feel no fear of being caught in the act of robbing someone at 4 in the afternoon tells me that there are potentially deep problems within the fourth police district.

When two cars were lit on fire and destroyed right behind this police station last month, I told myself that such a thing could happen only in the dead of night, that it was a one-off event, that I shouldn’t draw any harsh conclusions about the state of the police force. Now, I’m not so sure.

I’m also not sure where to go from here. Is this primarily a morale problem that could be at least partly solved by replacing the 4D commander? Or does this speak to larger, more fundamental issues within the police force that need to be addressed from the top down? As a concerned citizen, where should I focus my attention, and my rage?”

Ed. Note: I’ve found the 4D commander, Wilfredo Manlapaz, to be responsive and overall quite good. Having said that, I feel OP’s frustration.

From MPD at 10:12pm:

“On May 5, 2015, at approximately 2212 hours, members of the Fourth District were patrolling in the 600 block of Kennedy Street, NW, when they heard 6-7

gunshots in the area of 8th and Kennedy Streets, N.W. Several calls from concerned citizens were also received via the 911 system for the sound of gunshots.

While canvassing for possible suspects, officers located an adult male victim in the rear of a residence in the 5500 block of 8th Street, NW (east alley).

The victim had been shot once in the back by an unknown suspect. The victim was transported to a local area hospital in serious condition.

Anyone with information about this offense is urged to call the MPD Command Information Center at 202-727-9099. Thank you.”

and 11pm:

“UPDATE: STABBING@2303 hrs 800 blk First St.,NE. LOF W/M, 506/8, mid/late 30s thin bld blonde hair wear rd Coca Cola tee & khaki shorts//2173

The complainant was standing outside of the listed location when he was approached by a subject who asked for crack cocaine. The suspect immediately started stabbing the complainant with an unknown object. The suspect fled in an unk direction. The complainant was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and is in stable condition.”

and around 1:30am:

“multiple gunshots heard at 11th and H NE just now. Have anything?”

From MPD:

“On Friday, May 1, 2015 at approximately 7:10pm, members of the Fourth District were on patrol when they were flagged down in reference to a shooting. Members located the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information in reference to this offense, or any others, is asked to call 202.727.9099 or text anonymously to 50411.”

From MPD:

“On 3/30/15, at approximately 2:45am, members of the Fourth District responded to a call for a shooting in the area of 13th and Van Buren Streets, NW. Once officers arrived on the scene the victim was located suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

If anyone has information in regard to this crime, or any others, we ask that you call 202.727.9099 or text 50411.”

Update:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that occurred at the intersection of 13th and Van Buren Streets, NW. On Monday, March 30, 2015, at approximately 2:36 am, members of the Fourth District responded to a call for a Robbery/Shooting at the intersection of 13th and Van Buren Streets, NW. Upon arrival, they located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as 34 year-old Antonio Ayala of Northwest, Washington, DC.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.”