WASHINGTON, D.C. — Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a commercial robbery and shooting in Northeast Washington that left a bystander and a special police officer injured.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the 1500 block of New York Avenue, Northeast. Investigators stated that an individual entered a commercial establishment, stole merchandise, and attempted to exit the business without paying. As the individual walked out, two store employees, including an armed special police officer, confronted him.
During the confrontation, the suspect assaulted the workers and discharged pepper spray. Authorities said the suspect then managed to gain control of the special police officer’s firearm and fired one round, striking an uninvolved bystander. The special police officer quickly regained control of the weapon before the suspect fled the scene on a scooter.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported both the injured bystander and the special police officer to local hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that the second employee was not injured during the encounter.
Detectives have released surveillance video and photographs of the suspect captured by nearby security cameras. Anyone with information regarding the individual’s identity or whereabouts is urged not to take direct action, but to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or submit tips via text message to the department’s text tip line at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of individuals responsible for violent crimes committed in the District.
The case remains under active investigation under CCN 26136749.
The Washington Herald
editorial@thewashingtonherald.com
Washington, D.C.
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