19 November, 2010

Homicide in the 100 Block of Constitution Avenue, NW

Homicide in the 100 Block of Constitution Avenue, NW

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a fatal shooting which occurred in the 100 Block of Constitution Avenue, NW.

On Friday, November 12, 2010, units from the First District responded to the 100 block of Constitution Ave, NW, to investigate the report of a missing person. The missing person was identified as 36-year-old Jacobo Vazquez of the 1100 block of Massachusetts Ave NW. Reporting officers alerted detectives due to the suspicious nature of the disappearance.

On Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at approximately 9:45 am, a body was found along side of the westbound lanes of I-70 in Maryland. Detectives from the Homicide Branch responded to the scene where they were able to make an identification of the decedent as the missing person from the 100 block of Constitution Ave, NW. The body was removed to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland. On November 17, 2010 an autopsy was performed and the manner of death was ruled a homicide and the cause of death to be gunshot wounds. Subsequent investigation revealed that the homicide occurred in the 100 block of Constitution Avenue NW.

A felony arrest warrant has been issued for 34-year-old Marvin Palencia of Hyattsville, MD, who is wanted in connection with this homicide. Police are also attempting to locate the suspect’s 2007 light green or grey Honda Odyssey minivan with Maryland tags bearing “PALNCIA.” The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts or this crime should take no action, but call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to DC CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

16 November, 2010

Distracted Walking can Lead to Stolen iPhones

Don't Be A victim....

iPhone Application for lost or stolen iPhone.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/mobileme/

Over the weekend, there were at least 4 street-level robberies involving iPhones. In each case, the suspects approached the victim that was either talking or carrying the phone, and snatched it before running away. The robberies occurred in various areas of the Second District, including:

o 1500 Block of 15th Street, NW (Logan Circle/DuPont)
o 1200 Block of Riggs Place, NW (Logan Circle)
o 1500 Block of T Street, NW (Logan Circle)
o 2300 Block of L Street, NW (Foggy Bottom)

Folk are getting phones snatched away as they walk down the street, or grabbed from tables while sitting at restaurants. Although the vast majority of these offenses do not involve physical harm to the victim, this is a continuing trend that deserves attention.
As always, BE AWARE of your surroundings, especially while walking down the street and talking on the phone (try and avoid doing that if you are walking alone at night). Do not leave your phone lying on a table while dining out as this may also attract would-be thieves.

Holbrook Homicide

Homicide in the 1300 Block of Holbrook Street, NE

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a double shooting that resulted in a fatality.

On Monday, November 8, 2010, at approximately 8:45 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the 1300 block of Holbrook Street, NE, to investigate the report of sounds of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported both victims to an area hospital. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 17-year-old Joseph Alonzo Sharps Jr., of the 1500 block of Queen Street, NE.

The second victim, whose identity is being withheld, was admitted with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to D.C. CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be

eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

12 November, 2010

Lock Your Car

The MPD would like to raise the public’s awareness about a common crime tactic perpetrated by thieves. These thieves target unsuspecting vehicle owners when they are pumping gas or paying the tab in the station. Purses and other valuables, which are often visible or easily accessible from passenger side of a vehicle, are the main targets. To simplify things for the thief, the vehicle is often left unlocked. The thefts normally take place when the victim is most distracted – when he or she is pumping gas or going into the station to pay for a purchase. A suspect vehicle will drive up next to the victim’s auto, quickly open the unlocked door, and grab any easily-accessible items. Then they will just as quickly drive off. It happens in a matter of seconds.

These sorts of thefts can be prevented when the appropriate precautions are taken. Below are some helpful tips on how to avoid becoming a victim:
• Pick stations that are well-lit and have video-surveillance cameras at the pump.
• Make a list of favorite gas stations along your regular travel routes. Stations near police departments and state police barracks are good choices.
• Always remove your keys and lock the car doors while you are pumping gas. If you sense danger and you have a panic button on your car keys, keep your hands on the panic button until help arrives.
• Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle and lock the doors, even if you are going inside for just a moment.
• Pick your pump with care. It might be worthwhile to wait for the pump nearest to the attendant or building.
• Pay attention to your surroundingssurroundings.
• Don’t be distracted by your cell phone.

WARNING PERIOD FOR RED LIGHT CAMERAS ENDS TODAY

WARNING PERIOD FOR RED LIGHT CAMERAS ENDS TODAY


On October, 11, 2010, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the

deployment of three new photo enforced Red Light Cameras. Red Light cameras deployed

throughout the city act as a force multiplier to allow MPD to monitor and enforce traffic

safety compliance. In selecting locations for the Red Light Cameras, MPD considers calls for

police service, crash data, speed feasibility studies, as well as recommendations or requests

from the Department of Transportation, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic or

citizen associations.

The 30-day educational phase, during which violators will receive warning citations, ends

today, November 12, 2010. MPD now be issuing live citations to violating motorists.

The new red light cameras are located at Connecticut Avenue southbound at Porter

Street, NW; 14th Street northbound at K Street, NW; and 3rd Street southbound at New

York Avenue, NW.

05 November, 2010

11th Street Bridge Project to Start

Pile Driving in SE/SW Freeway Median for the
11th Street Bridge Project to Start
Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday,
Nov. 8-12 and Nov. 15-19

Over the next two weeks, contractors for the 11th Bridge Project are scheduled to drive piles nearby in the Southeast-Southwest Freeway median east of 11th Street SE.

Weather permitting, pile driving may occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, November 8 to 12 and November 15 to 19.

This work is to allow construction of a ramp to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway from the new inbound freeway bridge being built across the Anacostia River as part of the bridge project and is similar to other work conducted closer to and in the river since project work began last December.

As has been done throughout the project, contractors will monitor levels of the work at all times to try and minimize impacts to residents.

The project involves construction of  three new bridges – one for local and two for freeway traffic – that upon completion in mid-2013 will:

• Improve mobility by providing separate freeway and local traffic connections to both directions of DC 295, the Southeast-Southwest Freeway and local streets on both sides of the Anacostia River.

• Provide a shared path for pedestrians and bicycles, as well as rails to allow future streetcar connections

• Replace the existing functionally deficient and structurally obsolete bridges

• Provide an additional alternate evacuation route from our Nation’s Capital, and

• Include new trail connections, improved drainage and other environmental investments

The 11th Street Bridge Project and District Department of Transportation regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to complete the pile driving and all of our project work as quickly as possible.

For more information, please call Public Information Manager Bryon Johnston at 202-484-2330, Ext. 137 or email ddotpublicaffairs@dc.gov.

Traffic Fatality Involving MPD

November 1, 2010
Traffic Fatality Involving MPD
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating a vehicle crash in which an MPD officer was killed and another officer was injured.
On Saturday, October 30, 2010 at approximately 1:30 am, Seventh District Officer Paul Dittamo and another officer were responding to an incident within the 1400 block of Morris Road, SE.  Their vehicle was traveling northeast on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE when it collided with a wooden Pepco pole within the 2200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported both officers to a local hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, Officer Dittamo, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:06 am. The other officer who was a passenger sustained non-life threatening injuries. He is undergoing medical treatment and is expected to be released.
Thirty-two-year-old Officer Dittamo has been a member of the Department since June 2009. He was assigned to the Seventh District.
The crash remains under investigation by the Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit.

Rock Creek Park Multiple Road Closures

National Park Service

Rock Creek Park Multiple Road Closures

November 15 - 19, 2010

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day

Washington, D.C. - Rock Creek Park maintenance workers will be performing repairs to roadways in Rock Creek Park from November 15 through November 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. each day. These closures, noted above, are necessary in order to provide space for the equipment and allow personnel to work safely.

•           Beach Drive, NW from Joyce Road to Tilden Street
•           Blagden Avenue, NW from Mathewson Street to Beach Drive
•           Broad Branch Road, NW from Brandywine Street to Beach Drive
•           Glover Road, NW from Ross Drive to Broad Branch Road

METRO NEWS

November 5-7 maintenance work will close Orange Line from Stadium-Armory to New
Carrollton. Blue Line also closed between Stadium-Armory and Benning Road.

To inform customers about this weekend’s track work that will close five Orange
Line stations (Minnesota Avenue, Deanwood, Cheverly, Landover and New
Carrollton Metrorail stations) and will close the track between the Stadium-
Armory and Benning Road Metrorail stations on the Blue Line, Metro has posted
signs and banners at key locations; placed newspaper advertisements; posted
messages on platform display signs; and produced a brochure.

Leading up to and during the course of the weekend, customers will hear system-wide rail station and train operator announcements and receive e-mail and Twitter alerts.
Service alert information also will be posted on Metro’s Web site at
metroopensdoors.com. Additionally, thirty-four Metro employees will work 68 shifts to assist customers throughout the weekend. This work will take place from 10 p.m., Friday, November 5, to closing on Sunday, November 7 as the agency undertakes a major rehabilitation and rebuilding project to
improve safety, comply with a safety recommendation made by the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), maintain service reliability and return the area to a state of good repair. Normal service will resume on Monday, November 8. To help riders get through the work zone, Metro will operate free shuttle buses around the station closures. Customers should build an extra 40 minutes into their travel plans if they need to pass through the work zone.

During the weekend, Metro will make preliminary repairs to the stabilize the ground, the abutment and aerial structure outside the Cheverly Metrorail station because a developer performed work on land adjacent to Metro property that shifted the land and caused movement of Metro’s aerial structure. Metro officials also will install new track circuits outside the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station, to comply with an NTSB safety recommendation. In addition, Metro will replace 4,290 feet of track, 680 insulators, 2,418 rail ties, 650 track fasteners, two track switches at the New Carrollton Metrorail
station and conduct platform repairs at the Minnesota Avenue Metrorail station to maximize the amount of work to be done while there are no trains in the area.

November 5- 7 Weekend Blue and Orange Line Metrorail Service

The Orange Line will operate only between the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU and Stadium-
Armory Metrorail station. The Blue Line will be split in two sections throughout the weekend. Blue Line trains will operate between the Franconia-Springfield and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations and between the Largo Town Center and Benning Road Metrorail stations.

During the day on November 6 and 7, all Orange Line trains will operate approximately every 12 to 15 minutes. After 9:30 p.m. on November 5, 6 and 7, all Orange Line trains will operate approximately every 20 minutes. From opening to 6 p.m. on November 6 and 7, all Blue Line trains will operate approximately every 30 minutes between Franconia-Springfield and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations and between the Largo Town Center and Benning Road Metrorail stations. Blue Line trains will operate approximately every 30 minutes between these locations because additional track maintenance will require Blue and Yellow Line trains to share one track between the Braddock Road and Pentagon City Metrorail stations. After 9:30 p.m. on November 5, and from 6 p.m. to closing on November 6 and 7, all Blue Line trains will operate
approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

Last Orange Line Trains Departing Vienna-Fairfax/GMU and
New Carrollton – Friday, November 5
Prior to the weekend closure on Friday, November 5, the last Orange Line train in the direction of the New Carrollton Metrorail station will depart:
 Vienna-Fairfax/GMU at 8:59 p.m.
 Stadium-Armory at 9:42 p.m.
 Minnesota Ave at 9:46 p.m.
 Deanwood at 9:47 p.m.
 Cheverly at 9:50 p.m.
 Landover at 9:53 p.m.
 Arrive at the New Carrollton Metrorail station at 9:56 p.m

The last Orange Line train in the direction of the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU Metrorail station will depart:
 New Carrollton at 9:33 p.m.
 Landover at 9:36 p.m.
 Cheverly at 9:39 p.m.
 Deanwood at 9:42 p.m.
 Minnesota Ave at 9:43 p.m.
 Stadium-Armory at 9:47 p.m.
 Arrive at Vienna-Fairfax/GMU at 10:30 p.m

Last Inbound Orange Line Trains Departing from Stadium-Armory

The last inbound Orange Line to the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station will leave the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station at 2:49 a.m. on Saturday, November 6 (late Friday night) and Sunday, November 7 (late Saturday night), and 11:49 p.m. on Sunday, November 7.

Last Blue Line Trains Departing Franconia-Springfield and Largo Town Center – Friday, November 5

Prior to the weekend closure on Friday, November 5, the last Blue Line train in the direction of the Largo Town Center Metrorail station will depart:
 Franconia-Springfield at 8:47 p.m.
 Stadium-Armory at 9:36 p.m.
 Benning Road at 9:39 p.m.
 Capitol Heights at 9:43 p.m.
 Addison Road-Seat Pleasant at 9:45 p.m.
 Morgan Boulevard at 9:48 p.m.
 Arrive at Largo Town Center at 9:51 p.m.

The last Blue Line train in the direction of the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station will depart:
 Largo Town Center at 9:42 p.m.
 Morgan Boulevard at 9:45 p.m.
 Addison Road-Seat Pleasant at 9:48 p.m.
 Capitol Heights at 9:50 p.m.
 Benning Road at 9:54 p.m.
 Stadium-Armory at 9:57 p.m.
 Arrive at Franconia-Springfield at 10:46 p.m.

Last Inbound Blue Line Trains Departing from Largo Town Center
and Stadium-Armory

In order for Franconia-Springfield bound Blue Line riders to make their final connections at the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station, the last Blue Line train will depart the Largo Town Center Metrorail station at approximately 2:04 a.m. on Saturday, November 6 (late Friday night) and Sunday, November 7 (late Saturday night), and 11:04 p.m. on Sunday, November 7.

The last inbound Blue Line to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station will leave the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station at approximately 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, (late Friday night) and Sunday, November 7 (late Saturday night) and 11:50 p.m. on Sunday, November 7.

November 5 - 7 Weekend Shuttle Bus Service
From 10 p.m. Friday, November 5 to closing (midnight) on Sunday, November 7, Metro will operate three free shuttle bus routes between the affected stations. The weekend’s free shuttle buses will operate to meet each train.

Blue Line Shuttle: Stadium-Armory to Benning Road
This shuttle bus will operate between the Stadium-Armory (center island Bus Bay C) and Benning Road (corner of Benning Road and Central Avenue) Metrorail stations. Customers catching this shuttle bus should add 15 to 20 minutes to their trips.

Orange Line Express Shuttle: Stadium-Armory to New Carrollton
This express shuttle bus will operate between the Stadium-Armory (Bus Bay C) and
New Carrollton (inbound Bus Bays D, E, F, and outbound Bus Bay B) Metrorail stations with no stops in between. Customers catching this express shuttle should add 30 minutes to their trips.

Orange Line Local Shuttle: Stadium-Armory to Minnesota Avenue,
Deanwood, Cheverly, Landover and New Carrollton
This local shuttle bus will operate between the Stadium-Armory (Bus Bay C) and NewCarrollton Metrorail stations and will stop at the following Metrorail stations:
 Minnesota Avenue (inbound Bus Bay G, outbound Bus Bay L)
 Deanwood (Bus Bay A)
 Cheverly (Bus Bay C)
 Landover (Bus Bay D)

New Carrollton (inbound Bus Bays D, E, F, and outbound Bus Bay B)
Customers catching this local shuttle should add 40 minutes to their trips.

Additional Weekend Events
Throughout the weekend, there will be several events throughout the region that may impact Metrorail riders. The Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards have games at the Verizon Center from Friday through Sunday. On Saturday, November 6, there is a special event at Nationals Park. Metro reminds customers riding or connecting to the Blue and Orange lines who will be attending these events to add at least 40 minutes into their travel time.

The Trip Planner on Metro’s Web site will not reflect the impact of this work on its schedules. For more information on traveling by Metrobus or Metrorail, customers may call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780, or visit www.metroopensdoors.com.

700 Block Of 4th Street NE

Two-Day Traffic Restriction Planned For The
700 Block Of 4th Street NE From H Street To G Street
The 700 block of 4th Street NE – between H Street and G Street – will be closed to through traffic during daytime hours on Thursday and Friday, November 11 and 12, weather permitting, to accommodate installation of streetcar tracks across the 4th and H Streets intersection.
From 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on each of these days, the 700 block of 4th Street will be available only to local residential traffic. In the event of rain on either of these days, the 4th Street closing and streetcar work will occur on Saturday, November 13.
During these street-closure periods, the District Department of Transportation advises motorists to use 3rd Street, which is a two-way street, as an alternative to 4th Street, which is one-way south. Detour signs will be posted, and flaggers will be on hand to assist motorists and pedestrians.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, at dashboard.ddot.dc.gov under the Ward 6 Projects Link.
As always, thank you for your patience and please call on us whenever you would like additional information or assistance.

Trash and Recycling Collections

DPW will not collect trash and recycling on Veterans Day, Thurs., Nov. 11.
Leaves will be collected on that day as scheduled. 
All services will resume Fri., Nov. 12.

Trash and Recycling Collections: There will be no trash and recycling collections. These collections will “slide” to the next day. Thursday’s collections will be made Friday, and Friday’s collections will be made Saturday.  This applies to both once-a-week and twice-a-week collection neighborhoods.  Trash and recycling containers should be put out for collection no earlier than 6:30 pm the night before collection and removed from public space by 8 pm on the collection day. 
Parking Enforcement:  Parking meters will not be in effect, residential parking, and rush hour lane violations.  It also will not tow abandoned vehicles.

Ft. Totten: Ft. Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John F. McCormack Road, NE, will be closed Thursday, November 11.  It will reopen Friday at 1 pm for residents to bring bulk trash.  Residents also may bring bulk trash Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm.  The next Saturday Household Hazardous Waste/E-cycling/Document Shredding drop-off day is December 4, 8 am to 3 pm.

Directions to Ft. Totten:  Travel east on Irving Street, NW, turn left on Michigan Avenue, turn left on John F. McCormack Road, NE and continue to the end of the street.

Leaf Collections:  Between Monday, November 8 and 20 (including Veterans Day), DPW will collect leaves from “Area A” neighborhoods as designated in the leaf collection brochure mailed to households that receive DPW trash/recycling collections.  Area A residents should rake their leaves into their treebox spaces this weekend to be ready for their collection cycle.

To view DPW’s trash and recycling holiday schedule for the remainder of the year, visit click on http://dpw.dc.gov/DC/DPW/About+DPW/Publications/2010+Holiday+Trash+and+Recycling+Collections+Slide+Guide  or call 311. Residents also can use DPW’s Web site to view the 2010-2011 leaf collection schedule by selecting Leaf Collection and clicking on “Check Leaf Collection Status in Your Neighborhood” ( http://leaf.dcgis.dc.gov/) and enter your address.