More Gun Violence Overnight
Via Prince of Petworth, there's word of yet another shooting inside the District, adding to the already lengthy tally of gun violence this weekend. In this instance, a PoP reader reported that a up to five shots were fired on the 1800 block of Monroe Street NW in Mount Pleasant last night. One youth -- only 15 years old -- was reportedly hit in the leg and transported to a hospital in an ambulance. Police are still investigating.
UPDATE: More details are now being released in last night's incident in Mount Pleasant. WTOP reports that the victim was actually a thirteen-year-old, who just so happened to be riding his bike in the area when the shooting occurred. The boy -- who does not live in the area -- is expected to make a full recovery.
In addition to noting the Monroe Street shooting, City Desk shares the police department's official press release on the shooting in Adams Morgan on Friday night, clearing up what was obviously a complicated situation. Full text of the release, after the jump.
At approximately, 3:10 am on Saturday, May 16, 2009, two Third District police officers working a plain clothes assignment were on foot in the area of Kalorama Road and Champlain Street NW. The officers observed a fight and witnessed an individual fire a handgun. The officers approached the individual, identified themselves as police officers and ordered him to drop his weapon.Instead of complying, the man fled into the 2200 block of Champlain Street NW. The police officers pursued the suspect on foot. As the officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, he raised his weapon towards them and gunfire was exchanged. The suspect and the officers were struck.
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department personnel responded, but could find no signs consistent with life for the suspect. The suspect was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where he was pronounced dead at 8:54 am. The deceased suspect has been identified as 18-year-old Michael Griffin of the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW.
Both officers were transported to a local hospital. One officer was admitted in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the body. The other officer was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg and released.
In cooperation with the Homicide Unit, the police shooting is currently under investigation by the department’s Force Investigations Team. The Third District Detectives office is investigating the offenses leading up to the shooting.