D.C. police are investigating three robberies — two of them involving handguns and possibly linked — that took place on the streets in upscale areas of Northwest Washington.
At about 7:15 p.m. Monday, a man was walking in the 3800 block of Warren Street near Tenley Circle when he was approached by at least three robbers described as black men, 5 feet 7 inches to 6-feet-tall in their early 20s. The robbers took a computer and wallet from the victim, and Second Police District Commander Mike Reese said at least two of the robbers hit the man before they fled on foot.
About three hours later, two other robberies took place. These two involved guns and were in the Friendship Heights area.
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| > Anyone with information about Monday night’s robberies can call D.C. police at 202-727-9099. |
A female walking on Garrison Street was approached by two robbers, Reese said. They took items including a cell phone, purse and jacket. A dark-colored vehicle was seen fleeing the area.
Reese said police believe the men then drove to the 5200 block of Western Avenue and robbed another victim. Items stolen were a backpack, cell phone, jacket and cash, according to police. The description of the suspects for this robbery was similar to the description for the one that happened moments earlier — two black males wearing ski masks.
None of the victims needed to be hospitalized, Reese said. Items stolen from the victims included jackets, bags, electronics and cash, Officer Anthony Clay said.
These robberies are reportedly the latest in a string in that area over the past several months.
Reese said police are stepping up their uniformed presence in the neighborhoods as well as engaging in “covert operations.”
D.C. Councilwoman Mary Cheh said police efforts include giving high priority to 911 calls about suspicious activities and devoting more resources to the area.
Cheh said that it can be difficult to catch suspects in these types of incidents.
“These are hard cases to crack,” she said.
Until the robbers are caught and the crimes stop, Cheh said, residents of the area are subject to physical and psychological risks.
“People are beginning to not feel safe. And when that happens, you have a real, real problem,” Cheh said.
