WASHINGTON, D.C. – What began as a quiet Sunday evening on Fairmont Street quickly turned into a scene of chaos and fear when a young boy was shot during a violent confrontation. The incident, which occurred just after 8 p.m. in the 1400 block of Fairmont Street NW, has prompted an urgent response from law enforcement and growing concern among residents.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, a male suspect approached a juvenile male, displayed a handgun, and opened fire at close range. The child, whose name and exact age have not been released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, he is expected to recover.
Suspect Captured on Surveillance Video
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Surveillance cameras in the area captured the moments leading up to and following the gunfire. The footage, which has since been released to the public, clearly shows the suspect’s face and clothing, offering a vital lead in the ongoing investigation.
The video is now publicly available on YouTube via the Metropolitan Police Department’s channel. Authorities are asking anyone who may recognize the individual or who was in the area at the time to come forward.
“We believe someone in the community may know who this is,” said a police spokesperson. “The sooner we can identify and locate this suspect, the better we can protect our neighborhoods and bring justice to the young victim and his family.”
Reward Offered for Information
To encourage public cooperation, the Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this crime.
Anyone with tips is urged to contact MPD by calling (202) 727-9099 or sending an anonymous text to 50411. Authorities stress that members of the public should not approach or attempt to detain the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Community on Edge After Violence
This latest act of gun violence adds to a troubling trend of assaults involving juveniles in the District. The Columbia Heights neighborhood, where the shooting occurred, has experienced several youth-related incidents in recent months, prompting calls for increased community engagement, youth intervention programs, and visible policing.
Neighbors who heard the gunshots described the moment as “terrifying,” with some running indoors and others rushing to help the injured boy.
“It’s heartbreaking to think that kids aren’t safe walking down the street,” said one Fairmont Street resident who asked to remain anonymous. “This kind of violence doesn’t just hurt one child—it affects the entire community.”
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing additional surveillance footage from surrounding buildings and businesses. They have not yet released information about a potential motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the city are on alert, and extra patrols have been deployed in the area as a precaution.
How You Can Help
If you live in the Columbia Heights area or were near Fairmont Street on Sunday evening, you may have crucial information—even small details can help. Officials encourage anyone with security cameras or dashcam footage from that timeframe to review their recordings and contact police if they notice anything suspicious.
Community members are also urged to remain vigilant and report any behavior that may be linked to this or similar crimes.
A Call for Action
As Washington, D.C. grapples with rising concerns about youth violence, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Local leaders continue to call for investments in youth programs, mental health services, and neighborhood outreach efforts that aim to prevent violent acts before they happen.
For now, the community’s focus remains on finding the person responsible for this senseless act—and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
If you have any information about the suspect or the incident, please call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. Your tip could help protect another child and bring accountability to a community shaken by violence.
Leave a Reply