Petworth

There was a shooting in the Petworth Safeway Parking lot (3830 Georgia Ave NW) around 8:30pm Tuesday evening. I will first give official reports, reader emails then I will tell you what I learned on my own.

First from MPD Commander Linda Brown:

“4d units on the scene of a shooting in front of the safeway at Georgia and Randolph. Male victim transported to local hospital in critical condition. Lookout for 3-5 black males last seen running behind the safeway. Anyone with any information about this incident, please call 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM(e).”

From CM Muriel Bowser:

“Neighbors- I regret to inform you that MPD is investigating a shooting on Georgia Avenue in front of the Petworth Safeway. I’m currently on the scene with Chief Cathy Lanier.

Please see description of the incident and lookout information posted by Commander Brown below. MPD will alert us to details as they become available.”

From a reader:

“I live on the 800 block of Quincy St NW and heard two gunshots shortly after 8 tonight. About 15 minutes later, police were taping off my block and a helicopter was circling overhead. If you have any info on this, I’m sure our fellow Petworth residents would appreciate hearing about it.”

Thanks to all the readers who sent in reports of shots fired, street closings and police presence. I was out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle when I got into a cab and realized I had about a dozen emails about this incident. I got out of the cab at my house and asked a neighbor if she heard anything.

Only when I got a few steps closer did I realize she was crying. Apparently the person shot was a youth of only 15 or 16 years old who was friends with her son. She said the boy shot was returning from the Theodore Roosevelt Football game. She said he was shot twice in the head and has passed away is currently in critical condition at the hospital. I will have to confirm this info as it is released from the authorities but I have no reason to doubt her. My neighbor was understandably upset and was very worried about her own children. These incidents are so painfully sad. They really illustrate the two worlds that exist within many DC neighborhoods.

More info as it becomes available from the authorities.

Unbelievable. There was a big party at the Park Place Complex above the Petworth Metro Thursday evening. I just received the following email at 11:38 pm Thursday:

“I live on the west side of Park Place and about 15 minutes ago someone unloaded 6 shots right under the building, in the alley. I didn’t see it but certainly heard it. Three squad cars showed up a few minutes later and the cops are out looking for shell casings now (heard them talking). I didn’t hear any voices before the shots and no screaming or voices afterwards, and no sign of an ambulance, so I guess no one was hit. At least that’s what it looks like. Maybe someone just wanted to end the party with a bang – 6 of them.”

Very frustrating ending to a great evening. To preempt some, you know who you are, this party was open to all and was extremely diverse in all categories.