Police Seek Public’s Help After Seven D.C. Businesses Burglarized in Overnight Crime Spree

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking for the community’s help in identifying suspects involved in a string of seven burglaries that took place overnight Tuesday on the east side of Washington, D.C.

Authorities say the suspects forced their way into multiple businesses, stole property, and then fled the scenes in a red SUV with tinted windows, black wheels, and no front license plate. Police have released a photo of the vehicle and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Timeline of the Burglaries

The MPD provided a detailed timeline of the incidents, which spanned across different neighborhoods and occurred within a short two-hour window:

1:05 a.m. — Unit block of Potomac Avenue SE
1:35 a.m. — Two businesses in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE
1:40 a.m. — 500 block of 8th Street SE
1:44 a.m. — Another business in the 500 block of 8th Street SE
2:00 a.m. — 300 block of Morse Street NE
2:07 a.m. — A second business in the 300 block of Morse Street NE
2:19 a.m. — 3400 block of 8th Street NE

All seven locations reported break-ins, with the suspects forcibly entering the businesses and stealing merchandise before quickly fleeing in the getaway vehicle.

Suspect Vehicle: Red SUV

Police believe the same red SUV was used in all the incidents. Witnesses described the vehicle as having:

Red body color
Heavily tinted windows
Black wheels
No front license plate

MPD has released a surveillance image of the vehicle and potential suspects in hopes that someone may recognize them.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Support

So far, no arrests have been made, and police have not confirmed whether the same individuals were involved in all seven break-ins. However, the pattern and timing suggest the work of an organized group acting swiftly and methodically.

Police are urging business owners and residents in the affected areas to review their surveillance footage and report any suspicious activity they may have noticed during the early morning hours of July 30.

How to Help

If you have any information related to the individuals involved or the red SUV, you are urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at:

📞 (202) 727-9099
📱 Text 50411 (Anonymous tip line)

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for the burglaries.

Impact on Local Businesses

While the exact items stolen have not been publicly detailed, the burglaries come as a blow to small businesses already coping with economic challenges. Many affected shops are now dealing with property damage, stolen inventory, and disrupted operations.

Residents and community leaders are calling for heightened security in the area, especially during overnight hours, as well as increased cooperation between law enforcement and local businesses.

As the investigation continues, MPD is hopeful that community involvement and shared surveillance will lead to arrests and help deter future crimes. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or recognizes the red SUV is encouraged to come forward immediately.