WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police are investigating a pre-dawn shooting in Southeast that left a man fighting for his life. Officers were called to the 3400 block of Massachusetts Avenue SE just after 1:30 a.m. Saturday and discovered a driver slumped behind the wheel of a car, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was unconscious but still breathing when first responders arrived.
Victim Found Inside His Car
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the gunfire is believed to have erupted near Massachusetts Avenue and Southern Avenue SE. Investigators say the wounded man managed—either by chance or instinct—to remain in his vehicle after the attack, where officers located him minutes later. Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital with injuries described as life-threatening. Police have not released his name or age, citing family notification protocols.
Crime-Scene Work Under Way
Detectives spent the early-morning hours photographing bullet casings, canvassing nearby homes for security-camera footage, and mapping the vehicle’s final position. The area, which straddles the Maryland border, has seen sporadic gun violence but is better known for commuter traffic heading toward Pennsylvania Avenue. As daylight broke, yellow evidence markers still dotted the pavement while officers used portable lights to continue the search.
No Motive or Suspect Description Yet
Police have not commented on what may have sparked the shooting, whether the victim was targeted, or how many shooters might be involved. Likewise, no vehicle description or suspect information has been released. Anyone who heard gunfire around 1:30 a.m. or saw unusual activity near the intersection is urged to contact MPD’s tip line at 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Callers can remain anonymous.
Community Response
Local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tasha Green called the violence “deeply unsettling,” noting that several apartment buildings sit within earshot of the scene. “Residents want reassurance that this is being treated with urgency,” she said, adding that she will ask MPD for an increased overnight patrol presence.
Ongoing Investigation
The shooting marks at least the second incident this month in which victims were found wounded inside vehicles in Southeast. MPD says forensic results and witness statements will determine whether the cases are related. Updates—including the victim’s condition or any arrests—will be released as the investigation progresses.
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