WASHINGTON, D.C. – A violent brawl near the Navy Yard Metro station on Saturday evening led to the arrest of three juveniles and one adult, further fueling concerns about youth-involved crime in D.C. during the Memorial Day weekend.
A video submitted to 7News captured a large group of teenagers engaged in a fight outside the metro station. The situation escalated until a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cruiser appeared, prompting the crowd to disperse quickly. MPD later confirmed that four individuals were arrested on affray charges, which involve fighting in public and disturbing the peace.
Witness Reactions and Ongoing Concerns
The incident adds to a growing pattern of youth-related disturbances in the area. Among those alarmed is Milind Raj, who earlier this year became the victim of a teen-perpetrated armed robbery. Raj shared with 7News how the event has left lasting emotional trauma.
“I have to constantly watch over my shoulder,” Raj said, explaining how he now avoids high-traffic areas when cycling. “Now, I only ride on Ninth Street because I’m worried a car might pull up and someone jumps out to rob me again.”
His comments reflect a wider concern that youth violence in the city is escalating as summer approaches—a time traditionally associated with spikes in juvenile crime.
Calls for Parental Accountability and Curfews
Local resident Kathy Fowler believes a major part of the solution lies in parental oversight.
“Do you know where your children are at tonight?” she asked, directing the question to parents across the community. “Parents have lost control of their children, so we need to bridge that gap.”
Fowler and other concerned citizens are pointing to recent curfew measures at the Wharf, which restrict unaccompanied minors from being in the area after 5 p.m. through Tuesday, May 27. Those found violating the curfew risk arrest.
She says this type of enforcement should not be isolated to one part of the city. “We have to come together somehow, some way,” Fowler emphasized.
Increased Police Presence and Legislative Push
Following recent incidents, including Saturday’s arrests, police patrols have visibly increased throughout the Navy Yard area. Officers were present both Saturday and Sunday nights, monitoring large gatherings and responding swiftly to signs of disorder.
There is growing public demand for citywide curfew legislation, with calls for emergency measures to be enacted by D.C. lawmakers. Supporters argue that more uniform rules would help curb youth violence and allow law enforcement to act more decisively.
Raj echoed this sentiment, saying, “If I’m one, and like they are 10 of them, they easily overpower me.”
Looking Ahead
As summer nears and more young people are out of school and on the streets, residents and officials alike are bracing for potential surges in teen-related disturbances. Whether new legislation or expanded curfews will be implemented remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: many in the Navy Yard community are demanding urgent action to restore safety and accountability.
For now, police continue to monitor the area closely, while locals hope that this weekend’s events serve as a wake-up call for stronger citywide strategies.
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