via google maps

Readers started reporting around 12:30am: “Definitely heard some gunshots, sirens, and now a police helicopter here in Brightwood”

Initial report from MPD (full MPD release added below):

“On September 3, 2021 at approximately 12:09 am the Fourth District was working a shooting in the 900 block of Rittenhouse Street NW. Two adults suffered gunshot wounds to their body and were taken to a local hospital. The case is being investigated by the Violent Crime Branch. Also while on the scene the Fourth District members place an individual under arrest for carry a pistol without a license. If you have any information please contact 2027279099″

Update from MPD: Read More

via google maps

From MPD:

“Shortly after 3 PM today, an armed carjacking involving three suspects occurred in the 1400 block of A Street SE. While the initial responding officers were en route, the carjacked vehicle was observed. A vehicle pursuit occurred that ended along the Anacostia River Trail Read More

via District of Columbia National Guard

From the District of Columbia National Guard:

“Surrounding areas near the Armory may hear emergency-response vehicle sirens & helicopters Saturday during a Joint Medical Training Exercise in Lot 3, RFK Stadium. The joint training is w/ DCNG, @dcfireems & @usparkpolicepio & provides an opportunity to exercise response efforts.”

From AlertDC:

“Saturday, August 7: The DC National Guard, with US Park Police and DC Fire & EMS, will host a Joint Medical Training Exercise from 8 AM to 2 PM in RFK Stadium Lot 3 (1900 East Capitol Street SE) in Washington, DC. Surrounding areas may hear emergency response vehicle sirens and helicopters.”

photo from our archives

From MPD:

“On 7/18/21 at approximately 11:50pm, MPD units were at New Jersey Ave SE & M Street SE when they observed a vehicle that had recently been taken in an armed carjacking in PG County, MD. The carjacked vehicle was a Nissan Pathfinder with Maryland tags. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it led them on a brief pursuit, ending on M Street SW, near the District Wharf. Read More

From MPD:

“1D officers and detectives are currently on the scene investigating a Robbery that occurred today at about 2:15 PM where a vehicle was taken in the 500 block of G St SE. The suspect approached the victim and demanded his car keys. The suspect then went to the victim’s vehicle and drove it to the intersection of 5th and G Streets SE where the vehicle’s controls proved too cumbersome and the suspect fled. A significant patrol response with support from our police helicopter and an observant citizen led to the apprehension of the offender. Read More

Ed. Note: You can read the recent response from the National Park Service about helicopter noise here.

From the office Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus, today said the response from the Department of Defense (DoD) to her February 26 letter requesting limits on helicopter flights over District of Columbia due to noise is a good step forward. DoD expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with Norton and assured adherence to considerate airmanship, stating that “all DoD aircrews are expected to ‘fly neighborly’ with regard for the safety and comfort of persons on the ground at all times.”

“In my letter, I requested that helicopters fly at higher altitudes, limit nighttime flights, limit flights over residential areas, and provide advance notice of prolonged training missions in a particular area as the noise affects the daily lives of residents in D.C.,” Norton said. “I am pleased to hear of the DoD’s commitment to working with me on this issue, and I look forward to future work with them.”

The response from DoD follows. Read More

From MPD:

“On Monday morning, June 7, 2021, the U.S. Capitol Police will have a training exercise on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Please do not be alarmed if you see or hear low flying helicopters. During this time, emergency vehicles and personnel may be seen moving around the grounds.”

9th and N Street, NW

Update 2:27pm residents report: “They just removed the guy from his apartment, he came out with his hands up. Looks like they will be leaving soon.”

Readers report:

“There’s a huge police presence in the colonel apt building on 9th and N, including at least six cops with a riot shield and a chopper circling overhead. I heard them knock on a door in the bldg and yell “come out with your hands up” but no one has come out yet.” Read More

Photo by Eric P.

From AlertDC:

“The Helicopter Squadron Mission Control, Joint Base Andrews, reports 3 UH-1 helicopters will be participating in an aircraft flyover of the National Capital Region on April 23, 2021 at 3:05 PM.”

This has been a test of the PoPville broadcast system.

Photo by Sam Ward near Judiciary Square

About those low flying helicopters at the June BLM protests the Washington Post now reports:

“In an announcement, the Army said one helicopter “hovered under 100 feet” over the heads of people in the nation’s capital on June 1 as D.C. police and federal agencies worked to disperse crowds protesting police brutality after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis days earlier. Read More