WASHINGTON, D.C. — A chaotic string of events unfolded late Sunday night in the H Street NE corridor, ending in multiple arrests and an ongoing manhunt after a shooting and armed robbery was linked to a stolen SUV driven by juvenile escapees from a youth detention facility.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed that the incident began around 10:50 p.m. when First District officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of 8th Street NE, just a block off the busy H Street corridor. A male victim was found inside his vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound and was conscious and breathing when transported to the hospital by DC Fire and EMS. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Witnesses reported at least five gunshots, and a robbery involving the victim’s watch at gunpoint was confirmed as part of the assault. One reader noted seeing a massive police presence and described the scene as “a significant crime scene” with first responders working swiftly at the location.
Suspects Identified as Youth Facility Escapees
Shortly after the shooting, MPD revealed a startling development: the suspects involved were believed to be among three juveniles who had absconded from a Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facility earlier that evening.
According to an MPD statement, the teens had stolen a red 2016 Land Rover SUV with Pennsylvania plates. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) was notified, and the vehicle’s license plate was quickly entered into MPD’s License Plate Reader (LPR) systems and monitored across the city.
Evidence gathered by detectives and LPR data soon confirmed that the red SUV was directly involved in the robbery and shooting.
Helicopter and Ground Units Mobilized
Just before 11:00 p.m., a First District officer spotted the stolen red Land Rover fleeing toward the RFK Stadium area. MPD’s Falcon 1 helicopter was deployed to aid the search from the air.
Under surveillance, the SUV came to a brief stop, and five individuals jumped out and fled on foot. Two of them then re-entered the vehicle and drove off again, attempting to evade officers. During the foot pursuit, one suspect was apprehended, and an AR-15-style rifle was recovered nearby.
More Suspects Caught in Pursuit Across Southeast D.C.
At approximately 11:15 p.m., a Seventh District officer spotted the same red SUV driving on Alabama Avenue SE. Due to its involvement in a violent felony, a vehicle pursuit was authorized. Falcon 1 reengaged and continued tracking the SUV as it made its way across Southeast.
The chase ended near Minnesota Avenue and T Street SE, where the remaining occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. MPD officers managed to apprehend two more suspects after a brief search.
In total, three juvenile suspects were arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Robbery, and firearm-related offenses. Police confirmed that one of the arrested individuals was among the original DYRS escapees, and two additional suspects are still being sought.
MPD: Coordination Key to Rapid Arrests
In a statement, MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith praised the department’s real-time response and inter-agency coordination.
“Thanks to the quick coordination between our Real Time Crime Center, responding patrol officers, and Falcon 1, we were able to locate the suspects, recover a dangerous firearm, and make multiple arrests,” said Chief Smith. “MPD will continue working to hold violent offenders accountable for their actions in our city.”
Community and Safety Concerns Mount
Residents in Northeast, particularly in the H Street and 8th Street corridor, expressed concern following the event. With the area known for its bustling nightlife and close proximity to residential blocks, gunfire near 11 p.m. on a Sunday sparked fear and frustration.
This incident also raises serious questions about security at DYRS facilities and how the juveniles were able to escape and steal a vehicle. City officials have not yet released details about how the escape occurred or what steps are being taken to prevent future breaches.
Additionally, this marks the second armed robbery in the area within a month, leading residents to call for increased patrols and accountability for repeat juvenile offenders.
Investigation Ongoing; Public Asked to Help
While three suspects are in custody, two individuals remain at large. MPD is urging the public to help locate the remaining escapees and assist in piecing together the timeline of the robbery and shooting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text anonymous tips to 50411.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine whether additional charges will be filed, whether the suspects were involved in other recent crimes, and whether security protocol failures at the DYRS facility played a role in allowing the incident to unfold.
This high-profile case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with repeat juvenile offenders, and the balancing act between rehabilitation and public safety. For now, the focus remains on tracking down the remaining suspects and ensuring the safety of D.C. neighborhoods.
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