There’s been a lot of news and even more speculation about how dangerous the blocks surrounding the new Target, across the street from the Columbia Heights Metro, have become since the store opened last week. We posted about a series of muggings that occurred in the general vicinity, especially at the Metro entrance, within days of the grand opening. Good news: WTOP has since reported that a 16 year-old has been arrested in connection with at least 12 armed robberies in the area, which appear to be the same ones we had heard about.

Elsewhere, Prince of Petworth was spreading rumors on Monday about Target customers being robbed right as they exited the store. Someone alerted him to a bunch of cop cars in the area, assumed to have been responding to the crimes. Scary! Except, not at all true. Newly promoted MPD Inspector Edward Delgado posted the following update to the 3D Substation email list yesterday, titled ” Rumor of a robbery at the Target”:

Hello Neighbors

What you hear are rumors regarding this incident that have no bearing or
merit. What actually occurred was that store employees that were caught
stealing from the Target. Rumors like this cast a negative light on
Columbia Heights and will discourage developers and new home owners from
investing in Columbia Heights.

If there is ever a question about crime in your neighborhood you could
email me at Edward.Delgado@DC.gov.

Guess that means there are still plenty of job openings at the Target.