Columbia Heights

From Council Member Nadeau’s Office:

“Councilmember Brianne Nadeau will be convening a public meeting tonight (Wed 7/8) at 9pm with MPD and DPR to answer any questions parents may have about the incident yesterday at the Columbia Heights Community Center, what the response was from the government agencies, and the work we are all doing to keep our neighborhood safe.

What: Public meeting with MPD and DPR about incident at 14th and Girard
Who: Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, Third District MPD Commander Jake Kishter, DPR Chief of Staff John Stokes, other officials and representatives to be confirmed
When: TONIGHT, Wednesday, July 8, 9pm
Where: Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard Street NW)

Tonight’s meeting will be a chance to bring community members together so we can get all the facts out, and bring some comfort to our residents.

The meeting will complement Councilmember Nadeau’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety in the neighborhood.

On Thursday, July 16 from 4-6pm, Councilmember Nadeau and Mayor Bowser will hold a meeting at the Columbia Heights Rec Center to discuss community concerns, including public safety. Immediately before the meeting, the Mayor and Councilmember will take a “Results Walk” with the Joint Roll Call team, a community-police collaboration supported by the Councilmember that meets weekly to share information about public safety concerns.

Councilmember Nadeau’s office is also working with the Department of Behavioral Health to focus their prevention services in areas of concern to Columbia Heights residents. Last week, DBH’s team was on site at Columbia Heights metro to provide support services. The office is also in the process of organizing several public safety walks and meetings at locations in the Ward, and other efforts with ANCs, MPD, and DPR to address ongoing concerns in the area. Last week, the Councilmember met with DPR Director Anderson to talk about the work they are doing to prevent violence among youth with the programming they do throughout the year. The Councilmember has been working closely with MPD throughout Columbia Heights on issues that have arisen this year as well.”

A reader reports around 12pm:

“Apparently there was some sort of “shoot out” near the Girard Street playground on 15th and Girard (by the rec center). While dozens of kids were playing… Police are at the scene.”

Update from OP:

“Two people (at least) were shooting at each other. One ran into the park and turned around and kept shooting at whoever was outside of the park…WHILE HE WAS IN THE PARK. Surrounded by little kids.”

Update from DPR:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has temporarily closed Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard St., NW) due to a police incident in the Columbia Heights area.

The playground and building are closed. Everyone is safe inside the center and parents have been notified. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is currently conducting an investigation in the area.

Constituents will be notified when the center has been given the “all clear.” No evening activities have been cancelled at this time.”