Prince of Petworth reports that a man was robbed and shot at while walking on the multi-use Metropolitan Branch Trial in Northeast yesterday. The police narrative on the incident:

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at approximately 6:15 pm, an area resident was walking on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail in the area of 3rd & R Street, Northeast, when he was accosted by three individuals. One subject produced a weapon and demanded the victim’s possessions. After complying and without provocation, the victim was punched in the face. The victim then attempted to flee from the scene and sustained a graze gunshot wound to the hip area after the suspect fired his weapon.

All three suspects then fled on foot. The victim received treatment for his injuries and an area hospital. The Metropolitan Police Department continues its investigation into the identity of these three individuals.

To ensure this area remains safe for all, the bike trail will be monitored and patrolled by officers on a regular basis.

Last summer the eight-mile-long trail that connects Silver Spring to Union Station was the site of a number of robberies, leading police and the Guardian Angels to step up patrols in the area. Beyond the problems with crime, Greater Greater Washington reported that MPD dispatchers were having trouble telling police exactly where to go when a crime was reported.

On the MetBranchTrail Yahoo! group today, some avid users expressed concern over the shooting and asked if bike caravans should be formed for people riding along it. Another said she would wait until she saw another cyclist on the trail before using it herself.

“My latest tactic for minimizing risk and increasing peace of mind is to ensure I’m within sight of another cyclist while on the trail. If there isn’t a cyclist within sight when I get on, I just wait by the entrance until someone comes along. I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes, since during peak times there are usually plenty of riders,” wrote Jennifer Brundage.