Robbery Last Night

Police Alert-

Robbery (Force and Violence) 2309 hours 13th Street and H Street, NE _L/O for B/M wearing a black hat with black jens and shirt

Stabbing at Sticky Rice

On Tuesday/Wednesday night March 30-31 there was a stabbing that occurred inside of Sticky Rice. The incident stemmed from a birthday party that was happening at Sticky Rice among Special Police Officers. The Birthday Guy dropped money on the floor and it was picked up by an unknown hooded person. When the Birthday Guy's friends confronted the individual, that Suspect threaten to kill one of them. As I understand what happened the Suspect ran upstairs and was able to reach behind the bar and obtain two sushi knives while being pursued by the Birthday guys friends. After gaining access to the knives, he must have approached the Birthday Guys friends who ran back downstairs at a point where one of the friends was stabbed multiple times. A bigger fight happened at this point eventually spilling into the street.

Reports are that there was difficulty in getting through to 911 (checking that out/still waiting on verifiable information). A female suspect appears to have gotten involved at this point allegedly biting one of the Birthday Guys friends (again, waiting for clarification and further details).

An arrest was made in the incident when the suspect appeared in the same hospital as the victim for treatment. Alert police stopped the individual (suspect) and after being positively identified by the victim he was arrested for assault with intent to kill.

This incident at Sticky Rice is the second assault that has occurred since early 2009 in which there was a documented report.

MPD has already made changes to staffing with the anticipation of the bar scene events that happen particularly during warmer months. I will be providing a detailed report on this incident in coming posts.

Information on this event is verifiable from ABRA Report 10-251-00074 and MPD Report CCN# 10-040848. There are other issues associated with this and a previous incident at this establishment that we hope to get clarification from at the next PSA meeting.

The establishment did submit a security plan on April 1, 2010 to ABRA.

Next PSA 102 Neighborhood Public Safety Meeting

PSA 102 Public Safety Meeting

13 April 2010

7:00pm

Sherwood Recreation Center

10th and G Streets NE

Agenda

Introductions 7:00pm

Brandon Bies and Irene Walker


Roger’s Crime Report 7:05pm


Police Report – Lt Parker 7:15pm
Special Guest – Rappaport Companies 7:30pm


Discussion on Parking and Future 7-11 at H Street Connection

800 & 900 Blocks H St NE

Summertime in PSA 102 8:00pm
Share with Lt. Parker your concerns about typical summertime problems within PSA 102


Adjournment 8:15pm

BURGLARY PREVENTION IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS

BURGLARY PREVENTION IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS
Have you ever been locked out of your home? Were you able to get in anyway? Now
think about it…if you could break into your own home, it’s just as easy for someone else to break in, too. One out of ten homes will be burglarized this year, and many intruders will spend no more than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. The best prediction of a future burglary is a past burglary. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures now.

Strong locks—and good neighbors who look out for one another—can be effective
deterrents to burglars. Here are a few tips that can help you keep you—and your property—safe and secure.

Check—and use—your door and window locks. Make sure every external door has
a strong, well-installed dead bolt lock. Sliding glass doors offer easy access if they are no properly secured. You can secure them by putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door or by installing commercially available locks. To prevent the door being lifted off of the track, drill a hole through the sliding door frame and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole. Never hide keys around the outside of your home. Instead, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust. When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

Another good idea is to take a look at your home from the outside. Keep in mind the
following tips to help make your home as safe as it can be:

• Burglars hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night. Motiondetector lights can be particularly effective.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune shrubbery so it doesn’t hide windows or doors. Cut back
tree limbs that a burglar could use to climb to an upper-level window.
• If you travel, create the illusion that you are at home by getting timers that will turn lights (and
perhaps a television or radio) on and off in different parts of your home throughout
the day and evening hours. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. And make sure you don’t let your mail and/or newspapers pile up. Call the post office and newspaper to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.
• Make a list of your valuables, such as TVs, stereos, computers, and jewelry. Take pictures of the items, list their serial numbers and description. This will help police if your home is burglarized.
While most burglars prefer to strike when no one is home, intruders can commit
other crimes such as rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone entering the home, or if they pick a home that is occupied. If something looks questionable – a slit screen, a broken window or an open door – don’t go in. Call the police from a neighbor’s house, a cell phone, or a public phone. At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can’t leave, lock yourself in a room with a
phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.

MPD MEMBERS RESCUE TWO FROM LIFE OF PROSTITUTION

MPD MEMBERS RESCUE TWO RUNAWAYS FROM LIFE OF PROSTITUTION

On December 28, 2009, Detectives Jonathan Andrews and Steven Schwalm, along with
members of the Prostitution Enforcement Unit, responded to a Motel 6 after getting information from a juvenile absconder’s family that the runaway would be there. The absconder told her family that she was prostituting in DC and New York, and that she was being accompanied by three individuals, one of whom the detectives recognized as a pimp.

The two detectives devised a plan to rescue the girl. When she answered the door to the hotel room, the members entered and found two juveniles. While conducting interviews, the detectives found a third person in the room who was a known pimp.

One of the absconders revealed that the pimp wanted her to “work” that evening.
The male subject was placed under arrest for two counts of Pandering of a Minor, Pandering (Felony), and UCSA Possession of Ecstasy and Marijuana.
For working tirelessly on this case, which resulted in the arrest of a dangerous predatory criminal and the rescue of two juvenile runaways, these members were recognized at the April 2010.

Armed Suspect at Wisconsin and Massachusetts

Armed Suspect at Wisconsin and Massachusetts, Avenue NW

The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the report earlier this morning of an armed subject in the area of Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, NW.

Shortly before 9 am on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, officers from the Second District were called to the vicinity of Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, NW, for the report of an individual who may have been armed with a gun. Officers responded quickly to the scene and subsequently as a precautionary measure, the campus serving several private schools in that immediate vicinity was placed on lockdown as the search for the alleged suspect continued. It does not appear at this time that there was ever any immediate threat directed towards any school or individual.

During the course of the investigation officers located a vehicle which appeared to contain a possible firearm inside. A subsequent investigation revealed that the weapon was a BB-gun which was transported to the grounds of the Cathedral by an eighteen-year-old male student. The investigation further revealed that a second suspect, a juvenile male student, came into possession of the BB-gun before it was returned to the vehicle.

Both students were arrested and charged with violating DC Municipal Regulation, Title 24, and Section 2301, which prohibits the possession of a BB-gun by a juvenile, and further prohibits transportation of such a weapon except in a specifically prescribed manner.

Arrested were 18-year-old Arya Mortazavi of Potomac, Maryland, and a 17-year-old male from Bethesda, Maryland. There were no reported injuries nor was there any indication of any harmful intent on the part of the two suspects.

The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS)

District Government, Secret Service Announce Security Plans for Upcoming 2010 Nuclear Security Summit

* View a map of affected streets*

The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) will take place from Monday, April 12-Tuesday, April 13 at the D.C. Convention Center.

The District in partnership with its federal partners developed a comprehensive plan that includes road closures, restricted parking, and changes to public transportation routes and public works services during the NSS.

“It’s imperative that residents are fully informed about security and road restrictions leading up to this event,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. We recognize the inconvenience to our residents and commuters as delays and backups are anticipated. As such we strongly recommend people either telecommute, alter drive times to leave earlier or later than normal, or take transit.”

“The Metropolitan Police Department, in support of our federal partners during this very important event, is committed to doing everything we can to keep traffic flowing,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “To minimize disruptions to DC residents, commuters, and visitors, we encourage people to plan extra time for their commute, use alternative routes and public transportation whenever possible.”

“DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) is working closely with all District and federal agencies on this event,” said DDOT Director Gabe Klein. “If people need to drive, map out an alternate route prior to getting on the roadway and please allow for plenty of drive time.”

Convention Center Area Road Closures/Parking Restrictions/Pedestrian

Screening:

Road Closures: Closures will be coordinated by the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and will begin at approximately 10 pm on Sunday, April 11, and continue through 8 pm Tuesday, April 13.

All closures will be posted with Emergency No Parking signage. Fencing and other physical barriers will also be in place as will uniformed law enforcement officers. Vehicular traffic will be limited to vehicles with a law enforcement/public safety function.

Pedestrian traffic inside the restricted areas will be limited to residents and owners/employees of local businesses that fall within the secure area. Government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, non-driver photo ID or passport will be required to gain access.

* New York Avenue NW, eastbound and westbound from 6th Street NW to 7th Street NW and 9th Street NW to 11th Street NW.
* K Street NW, eastbound and westbound from 6th Street NW to 7th Street NW and 9th Street NW to 10th Street NW - Traffic will be allowed to run eastbound and westbound on K Street NW between 7th Street NW and 9th Street NW but will then be diverted southbound on one of those two streets.
* Massachusetts Avenue NW, eastbound and westbound from 9th Street NW to 11th Street NW.
* L Street NW, eastbound and westbound from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW.
* M Street NW, eastbound and westbound from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW.
* N Street NW, eastbound and westbound from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW.
* 7th Street NW, northbound and southbound from O Street NW to Massachusetts Avenue NW.
* 8th Street NW, northbound and southbound from O Street NW to N Street NW.
* 9th Street NW, northbound and southbound from O Street NW to New York Avenue NW.
* 10th Street NW, southbound from L Street NW to New York Avenue NW.

There will be intermittent closures of other intersections in the vicinity of the Convention Center that will temporarily affect vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Restricted Parking Zone: Vehicular parking restrictions will be coordinated and enforced by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and MPD. All affected areas will be posted with Emergency No Parking signage. The restrictions will not be enforced until Sunday, April 11 at 7 pm. However, due to ongoing preparations in the area, some parking spaces may be utilized by vendors related to the event starting as early as Friday April 9 at 7 pm. This start time will be reflected on the Emergency No Parking signs.

The restrictions will end on Wednesday, April 14 at 12 pm. Drivers should take caution in parking in these areas during this period and ensure they are not in a work zone. Worship services in the area will not be affected.

* 7th Street NW from Massachusetts Avenue NW to O Street NW
* 8th Street NW from N Street NW to O Street NW
* 9th Street NW from New York Avenue NW to O Street NW
* 10th Street NW from New York Avenue NW to N Street NW
* 11th Street NW from H Street NW to I Street NW and K Street NW to L Street NW (1150 mid-block)
* 12th Street NW from H Street NW to I Street NW and K Street NW to L Street NW (1150 mid-block)
* 13th Street NW from H Street NW to I Street NW and the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW
* 14th Street NW near the intersection of New York Avenue NW
* N Street NW from 6th Street NW to 12th Street NW
* M Street NW from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW
* L Street NW from 6th Street NW to 12th Street NW
* K Street NW from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW Massachusetts Avenue NW from 6th Street NW to 13th Street NW
* New York Avenue NW from 6th Street NW to 14th Street NW (mid-block)
* H Street NW from 13th Street NW to 14th Street NW (mid-block)
* I Street NW and intersection of 11th Street NW
* Rhode Island Avenue NW (1100 block – Connecticut Avenue NW, including Logan Circle from 8 am to 9 pm on Monday, April 12 and 8 am to 9 pm on Tuesday, April 13

Pedestrian Screening: Pedestrians who approach the secure perimeter fencing around the Convention Center will be subject to a visual inspection for weapons.

Guidance for Residents/Businesses near the Convention Center:

Residents of McCollough Terrace Apartments: Resident access to the apartment complex will be facilitated through a security checkpoint at 7th Street NW and O Street NW.

Residents will be required to show photo identification as proof of residence. McCollough Terrace apartment residents will be required to escort their guests. Residents and guests wishing to access the McCollough Terrace apartments will be required to submit to a screening of packages, baggage and persons.

School-age residents of McCollough Terrace apartments who do not have a government issued photo ID will be allowed access to their residences after being screened. Only after submitting to a security screening will the US Postal Service and other Commercial delivery businesses be permitted to make deliveries to the McCollough Terrace apartments. Parking for McCoullough Terrace Apartments: McCoullough Terrace apartment residents who are being displaced from their parking lot may park on O Street NW (north and south side of 600 block).

Public Transportation

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority:

The Mt. Vernon Square (7th St-Convention Center Metrorail Station, Yellow and Green Lines) will close on Sunday, April 11 at midnight and will reopen at 5 am on Wednesday, April 14. Trains will be able to pass through the station, but passengers will not be allowed to access the station.

Metro Access will not be able to provide paratransit service within the security zone. Thirteen Metrobus routes are expected to be impacted. The routes are 42, 63, 64, 70, 71, 79, 80, D4, G8, P6, S2, S4, and X2. Metrobuses will continue to operate; however, with street closures around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, those buses will be detoured.

Specific Metrobus detour information will be available on Metro's website early next week at www.wmata.com.

Metrobus riders whose routes are impacted by the street closures should plan for their bus trips to take a significant amount of additional travel time starting at 9 pm on Sunday, April 11. Regular Metrobus service is expected to resume the morning of Wednesday, April 14.

DC Circulator Rerouting:

Due to roadway closures in and around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, DC Circulator buses will be detoured and rerouted from 8 am on Monday, April 12 through 9 pm on Tuesday, April 13.

The Georgetown-Union Station route will be divided into two separate routes. Route A will be the east/west route from Georgetown but will stop prior to the Convention Center and turn around. It will not continue through to Union Station. Passengers wishing to continue through will need to disembark the bus and walk to the other side of the Convention Center to connect to another Circulator bus. All other normal stops will remain the same.

The turnaround for this route includes:

* East/West (from Georgetown)
* K Street (heading east)
* Right onto 13th Street NW
* Right onto I Street NW
* Right onto 14th Street NW
* Left onto K Street NW

Route B will be the west/east route from Union Station to the Convention Center. It will not continue through to Georgetown. Passengers wishing to continue through will need to disembark the bus and walk to the other side of the Convention Center to connect to another Circulator bus. All other normal stops will remain the same. The turnaround for this route includes:

* West/East (from Union Station)
* Massachusetts Avenue NW (heading west)
* Right onto 6th Street NW
* Right onto K Street NW
* Right onto 5th Street NW
* Left onto Massachusetts Avenue NW

The Convention Center/SW Waterfront route will terminate at I Street NW. Service will not be allowed around the Convention Center. The turnaround for this route includes:

* 7th Street (heading north)
* Left onto I Street NW
* Left onto 9th Street NW
* The Woodley Park/Adams Morgan/McPherson Square route and Union Station/Navy Yard via Capitol Hill route are not affected.

Waterways:

The public will see an increased US Coast Guard presence on the water April 12 and 13 as units of the Coast Guard Station, Washington, DC begin operating an increased patrol schedule throughout the National Capital Region during the NSS. The increased homeland security initiatives will include extra patrols and the deployment of additional crewmembers and resources. The Coast Guard will work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to protect the waters of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The Coast Guard's initiatives are one of many layers of increased security during the NSS. The Coast Guard will continue to perform its standard missions of search, rescue and law enforcement in addition to their homeland security responsibilities.

Airspace:

An interagency airspace security plan will be implemented to provide secure airspace over the Washington metropolitan area. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory listing enhanced restrictions was released on March 19, 2010.

The NOTAM discussed in the March 19 advisory may change with little or no notice. Pilots are advised to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area. Pilots are strongly advised to contact a Flight Service Station at 1-800-992-7433 prior to flight to check for all current NOTAMs. Pilots may also contact FAA Air Traffic Systems Operations Security at 1-866-598-9522 or through the FAA’s website.

Public Works:

The NSS will affect some services delivered by the District’s Department of Public Works (DPW). Residential trash and recycling collections along the restricted streets within the perimeter will be suspended Tuesday, April 13. The normal collection schedule will be followed Friday, April 9 and 16. The next recycling collection will be made on Tuesday, April 20. Residents are asked to check the map of streets within the perimeter to determine if their street will be affected.

DPW will begin ticketing and towing vehicles from designated streets once the Emergency No Parking restrictions go into effect. Please call (202) 576-6071 to locate vehicles that may have been towed.

Trashcan/Newspaper Bin Removal:

Newspaper bins and trashcans will be removed from sidewalks on the following streets:

East–West

* 6th Street NW from H Street NW to O Street NW
* 7th Street NW from H Street NW to O Street NW
* 8th Street NW from N Street NW to O Street NW
* 9th Street NW from H Street NW to O Street NW
* 10th Street NW from H Street NW to O Street NW
* 11th Street NW from H Street NW to L Street NW
* 12th Street NW from H Street NW to I Street NW
* 13th Street NW from H Street NW to I Street NW
* 14th Street NW from G Street NW to H Street NW

North–South

* O Street NW from 6th Street NW to 9th Street NW
* N Street NW from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW
* M Street NW from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW
* L Street NW from 6th Street NW to 12th Street NW
* K Street NW from 6th Street NW to 10th Street NW
* Massachusetts Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 13th Street NW
* New York Avenue NW from 6th Street NW to 15th Street NW
* I Street NW from 11th Street NW to 12th Street NW

MPD WARNS RESIDENTS

AS SPRING ARRIVES, MPD WARNS RESIDENTS
TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CON ARTISTS

While spring means the blooming of the cherry blossoms and other plants, it can also bring out con artists and other criminals seeking to profit from unsuspecting victims. Some of the most common cons and swindles this time of year are bogus home repair offers, fraudulent door-to-door charities, and individuals posing as police officers or bank investigators who claim to be investigating fraudulent tellers or counterfeit schemes. DC residents are urged to be wary of any “something-for-nothing” offers. Always ask for offers in writing, read over all contracts before you sign, and never agree to “cash-only” deals. Do not hesitate to check the
credentials of anyone who comes to your door. Ask to see official identification and inspect it carefully. Legitimate organizations – especially real police officers – will not hesitate to comply.

And if you have been victimized by a con artist, please call the police and report it. This is the only way that law enforcement can detect patterns and identify and apprehend offenders.

Robbery Suspects Sought

Armed Robbery Suspects Sought

Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third and Fourth Districts are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify and locate multiple suspects who committed several armed robberies in the early morning of April 1, 2010.

On Thursday, April 1, 2010, between the hours of 3:30 – 6:30 am, ten (10) robberies were reported in the Third and Fourth Districts. These robberies occurred in the 2300 block of 6th Street, NW, 13th and Otis Place, NW, the 700 block of Hobart Place, NW, 7th and Kennedy Street, NW, the 1400 block of Sheridan Street, NW, 14th Street and Hamilton Street, NW, the 900 block of Randolph Street, NW, the 1000 block of Girard Street, NW, 5th Street and Longfellow Street, NW and the 2900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

These robberies were committed by multiple black males in their late teens or early 20’s wearing black ski masks. The suspects used a variety of weapons to commit these robberies. In a few of the cases the victims were beaten, while in others the suspects threatened to shoot the victims. In two cases the suspects fled to a black four-door vehicle with tinted windows. In other cases, the suspects fled on foot. The victims in these robberies were black and Hispanic males walking either alone or in pairs.

It appears that phones and other personal electronic devices were the main focus of these robberies.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 in this case for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for this robbery.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E] (2746). Anonymous information may also be forwarded 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 to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

RESIDENTS REMINDED TO OPERATE MINIBIKES RESPONSIBLY

RESIDENTS REMINDED TO OPERATE MINIBIKES
AND OTHER SMALL VEHICLES RESPONSIBLY
Like cars and trucks, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, Segways, and mopeds must be
operated safely on city streets. Minibikes, ATVs, and dirt bikes are designed for off-road use and may not be driven on city streets or sidewalks.
It is illegal to ride or operate a minibike, dirt bike or All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on the District’s streets or sidewalks. It is okay to ride bicycles, mopeds, motorized bicycles, Segways, and motorcycles on the street, but not on city sidewalks.*

No matter what or where you ride, obey traffic and safety laws and yield to pedestrians. And don’t forget to wear a helmet for your own protection!

Vehicles That Are Legal
On DC Streets (not sidewalks)*
• Motorcycle
• Moped
• Bicycle (Motorized or Non-Motorized)
• Segway


Vehicles That Are Illegal
On DC Streets or Sidewalks
• All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
• Minibike
• Dirt Bike
* Non-motorized bicycles may be ridden on the sidewalk in neighborhoods outside the central business district

MPD Reminds You to Secure Your Bicycle

SECURE YOUR BICYCLE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF THEFT
Bicycling is a great form of exercise and it helps reduce pollution. It’s fun for both adults and children. Weather you use a bicycle to get to and from school, for your daily work commute, or for exercise, it is important that you always secure it when it’s not being used. In an effort to prevent thefts and to aid in the recovery of stolen bicycles, the MPD offers the following simple suggestions.

• Invest in a quality lock and use it whenever you are not riding the bicycle.
• Lock your bicycle in an area that is well-lit.
• If you are not going to use your bicycle for a significant period of time, locate a place
(preferably inside) where you can safely secure it.
• Document the following information about your bicycle: make, size and serial number.
Store this information in a safe place. The serial number is found underneath the bicycle
between the crank arms and the bottom bracket. Keep all receipts for your bicycle,
including the purchase receipt and repair receipts; these will help provide proof of
ownership if your bicycle is stolen.
• Register your bicycle with the National Bike Registry.
While bicycle registration is no longer required in the District of Columbia, the District
Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the MPD strongly encourage residents to register
their bicycles with the National Bicycle Registry (NBR). NBR is a service that allows you to
register your bicycle by serial number in a national database. If your bike is ever stolen, it can be
identified and you can prove ownership. Law enforcement anywhere can access this database.
NBR also guarantees your registration. If your bike is stolen and not recovered by police within
six months, NBR will register your next bike for free and the stolen bike information will remain
in the database until the bike is recovered no matter how long it takes.

RENTAL AND REAL ESTATE SCAMS

INTERNET CRIME COMPLAINT CENTER ISSUES
WARNING ABOUT RENTAL AND REAL ESTATE SCAMS

Individuals need to be cautious when posting rental properties and real estate on-line.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) continues to receive numerous complaints from
individuals who have fallen victim to scams involving rentals of apartments and houses, as
well as postings of real estate on-line.
Rental scams occur when the victim has rental property advertised and is contacted
by an interested party. Once the rental price is agreed upon, the scammer forwards a
check for the deposit on the rental property to the victim. The check is to cover housing
expenses and is either written in excess of the amount required, with the scammer asking
for the remainder to be remitted back, or the check is written for the correct amount, but
the scammer backs out of the rental agreement and asks for a refund. Since the banks
do not usually place a hold on the funds, the victim has immediate access to them and
believes the check has cleared. In the end, the check is found to be counterfeit and the
victim is held responsible by the bank for all losses.Another type of scam involves real estate that is posted via classified advertisement
websites. The scammer duplicates postings from legitimate real estate websites and
reposts these ads, after altering them. Often, the scammers use the broker’s real name
to create a fake email, which gives the fraud more legitimacy. When the victim sends an
email inquiring about the home, she receives a response from someone claiming to be
the owner. The “owner” says he and his wife are currently on missionary work in a foreign
country and he needs to rent their home while they are away. If the victim is interested
in renting the home, she’ll be asked to send money to the owner in the foreign country.
Only later will she realize she’s been scammed.

Missing Person:

Missing Person: Dannitta Jenkins

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in attempting to locate a missing adult female identified as 36-year-old Dannitta Jenkins.

Ms. Jenkins was reportedly last seen on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at approximately 2:30 pm in the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

Ms. Jenkins is described as a black female, approximately 5’0-5’4” in height, and weighing approximately 110-130 pounds (thin build). She is further described as having brown eyes and black hair that is styled in braids. She was reportedly last observed wearing blue pants, a brown shirt and a brown jacket.

Anyone who may observe Dannitta Jenkins or may have information as to her whereabouts is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099

Stolen Vehicle

March 25, 2010
Stolen Vehicle with Infant Aboard Recovered Quickly

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced that a vehicle which was stolen earlier this morning with an infant child aboard was quickly recovered. The child was reportedly unharmed during the incident and was subsequently reunited with her family.

At approximately 7:19 am on Thursday, March 25, 2010, a sport utility vehicle was stolen in the area of North Capitol and P Streets, NW, with an infant child inside. An immediate lookout was broadcast for the vehicle and a short time later, alert officers from the Fifth District observed a vehicle matching that description in the 200 block of N Street, NW, where the child was located inside.

The suspect(s) wanted in connection with this case remain at large at this time. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently attempting to identify possible persons of interest in connection with this case.

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

Anonymous information may also be forwarded 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 a caller to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

MPD Seeks Bank Robbery Suspect

March 26, 2010


Members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Task Force and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify and locate a bank robbery suspect believed to be responsible for several offenses.

On Thursday, March 25, 2010 at approximately 2:10 pm, a male suspect entered the Chevy Chase bank in the 1200 block of F Street NW, passed the teller a note demanding money, implied that he had a weapon and obtained currency. In the commission of this robbery, the suspect was reportedly wearing a tan and white sweater, tan pants and carrying a laptop style shoulder bag.

The same suspect is believed to have robbed the PNC Bank located in the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE on March 12, 2010; the Chevy Chase Bank located in the 600 block of F Street NW on March 8, 2010; the Chevy Chase Bank in the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW on January 6, 2010; and the Chevy Chase Bank in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE on November 23, 2009. In each of the incidents, the suspect handed the teller a note demanding money, implied that he had a weapon and obtained currency.

The suspect is described as a black male, 5’10” to 6’0” tall, weighing between 150 to 160 pounds, who is believed to be in his late 40s to 50s, with a dark complexion, gray facial hair, wearing glasses, often wearing a black skull cap, dark colored hooded coat or a black leather jacket and carrying a black bag across his shoulder.

Anyone with information about these cases should take no direct action, but call police at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM[E] – 1-888-919-2746. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this bank robbery.

Additionally, anonymous information may be forwarded 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 a caller to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

7th District RECOGNIZED FOR SUBDUING VIOLENT ASSAILANT

On June 9, 2009, Officers Benjamin Mallory and Derek Washington were walking foot beat patrols in PSA 702, conducting routine engagement with the community. As they were walking, they were approached by a subject who began uttering incoherently. Eventually, the officers were discerned that the subject was upset for arresting him days earlier. Neither officer could recall any previous encounter with the subject and had no idea what he was talking about.

The officers informed the subject that he was mistaken and directed him to continue moving. The officers then proceeded to a local business for a routine business check when the same subject entered the establishment.Recognizing that the subject did not belong there, the officers asked him to leave. Moments later, while the officers were outside talking to a business employee, the subject approached the officers and began to physically assault them. Their efforts to subdue the subject’s vicious attack had no effect on the subject.

Eventually, Officer Washington voiced a 10-33 over the air. Sergeant Laswaun Washington responded to the scene as did other members of the Seventh District. Once Sergeant Washington arrived and assessed the situation, he determined that Officer Mallory was under severe stress. Sergeant Washington immediately responded by tackling the subject to ground, saving Officer Mallory’s life. The subject continued his assault on anyone he encountered. Officer Jeremy Bank assisted Sergeant Washington in eventually subduing the subject. Officers Washington and Mallory sustained injuries as a result of the assault.

For successfully subduing a dangerous criminal who viciously attacked several of MPD
officers, these officers were recognized during the March 2010 CHAMPS ceremony. They
were among 22 MPD members honored during this month’s ceremony.

MPD 10th Annual Awards Ceremony

Metropolitan Police Department 10th Annual Awards Ceremony

The Metropolitan Police Department will honor some its most dedicated members as well as a Citizen of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the residents of Washington, DC at its 10th Annual Awards Ceremony. Members of the news media are invited to attend.

The event will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 7 pm at the Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus (THEARC), 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE.

The talents and efforts of numerous members of the department have been recognized throughout 2009, but this ceremony will focus on more than 20 awards including:

Detective of the Year Director of the Year

Officer of the Year Civilian Employee of the Year

District Officers of the Year Bureau Employees of the Year

Reserve Officer of the Year Chief of Police Special Award

Sergeant of the Year Chief of Police Medal of Merit

Lieutenant of the Year Citizen of the Year

Captain of the Year Best Performing District

Inspector of the Year PSA of the Year

Commander of the Year District Manager of the Year

Assistant Chief of the Year

MOBILE RADAR LOCATIONS DEPLOYED CITYWIDE

SIX NEW MOBILE RADAR LOCATIONS DEPLOYED CITYWIDE
Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police Department announced the deployment of six
new photo enforced mobile radar locations beginning Friday, February 12, 2010.
“On the heels of two years in a row of record low traffic fatalities in the city, we intend to
continue our commitment to public safety through the use of technology,” said Police Chief
Cathy L. Lanier.
The deployment locations for the Mobile Radar Units will continue to be at sites with
the highest number of crashes and injuries, calls for police service, and high speed volume.
MPD also considered recommendations or requests from the Department of Transportation,
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic or citizen associations.
During the 30-day educational phase begins, which begins today, all violators will receive
warning citations. On March 13, 2010, MPD will begin issuing live citations to violating
motorists.
The MPD currently has 10 fixed photo radar cameras and 12 mobile camera units. The
new mobile camera unit locations include the following locations in the First, Second, Fourth
and Fifth Police Districts:
• 1800 block of C Street NE 1D
• 3500 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW 2D
• 5800 block of New Hampshire Avenue NE 4D
• 5900 block of New Hampshire Avenue NE 4D
• 300 block of Rock Creek Church Road NW 4D
•1100 block of Michigan Avenue NE

Linden G Street Alert

Police Alert-

ROBBERY FORCE & VIOLENCE_1901 HOURS_1100 G ST NE_LOOKOUT FOR 2 B/MS, BLACK NORTHFACE JACKETS HOLDING A BOTTLE OF WINE LAST SEEN EAST BOUND ON 13TH ST NE

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Reflecting on National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January 29th, 2010 Posted by Tracy Russo
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. If you suspect an act of human trafficking in your area, you can report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This national, toll free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

President Barack Obama proclaimed January 2010 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. During January, the President urged all Americans to, “educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking.”

Attorney General Eric Holder and the U.S. Department of Justice are deeply committed to combating all forms of modern slavery and trafficking in persons. In coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as and nongovernmental organizations we investigate and prosecute human traffickers and provide comprehensive assistance to victims.

In 2009, the Department’s Civil Rights Division, in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, brought a record number of human trafficking cases, including the highest number of labor trafficking cases ever brought in a single year. These cases involve the use of force, threats of force, or other forms of coercion to compel labor or services, including commercial sex acts, from victims.

One case involved the trafficking of two young girls, including a 13 year-old, from rural Mexico to Tennessee with the intent of forcing them into prostitution. In December a woman from Tennessee was sentenced to 190 months in prison on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Her co-defendant was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2008. Both pleaded guilty and admitted to fraudulently luring the two young girls. The multi-agency investigation and federal prosecution resulted in the successful conviction of 11 defendants.

Earlier this month, the Civil Rights Division secured guilty pleas from two defendants in a forced labor case in Hawaii. Farm co-owners pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit forced labor. The men admitted to conspiring with one another and others to hold 44 Thai agricultural workers in service at their farm through a scheme of debts, threats of harm and restraint. They each face up to five years in prison for their roles in the labor trafficking scheme.

Through the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Sections, as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ Office, the Department investigates and prosecutes American citizens who contribute to the sex trafficking of children abroad by engaging in a practice known as “child sex tourism,” where individuals travel abroad and pay to have sex with children. One such child sex tourist admitted that he had repeatedly traveled to the Philippines where he made two young girls sign a contract to be his “sex slave.”

In another case resulting in a guilty plea, an American child sex tourist admitted he traveled to Thailand each year from 2000 to 2002 to sexually abuse children. While there, he paid for unfettered access to children, brought items to facilitate their sexual abuse, and then sexually abused the children at will, sometimes photographing and videotaping the activity.

In addition to prosecuting cases that directly involve human trafficking, the Department is continuing its efforts to disrupt trafficking by prosecuting human smuggling rings. The Criminal Division’s Domestic Security Section, working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targets human smuggling networks that are known to transport people under dangerous conditions or where patterns of egregious migrant abuse is evident. Dismantling smuggling networks and disrupting the routes used by traffickers contributes to the overall efforts to end the scourge of trafficking.

Another one of the ways the Department works to combat human trafficking and support victims is through its Office of Justice Programs (OJP). OJP provides funding support, training, and technical assistance to 39 anti-human trafficking law enforcement task forces and 39 nongovernmental victim service organizations throughout the United States. This dual approach entails a victim-centered approach for identifying, rescuing, and providing timely, comprehensive assistance to victims of human trafficking who are foreign nationals—including both female and male victims of sex and labor trafficking.

Since 2003, OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has provided funding to nongovernmental victim service organizations to support the needs of trafficking victims. Those needs often include shelter/housing, sustenance, medical and dental care, mental health treatment, interpretation/translation services, legal and immigration services, literacy education, and more. OVC partnered with OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in 2004 to support the anti-human trafficking task force model around the country. Each task force includes, but is not limited to, representation from local or territorial, state, and federal law enforcement prosecutorial agencies (including the FBI, ICE, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices), and an OVC-funded trafficking victim service provider organization.

In December 2009, OVC launched a 3-year demonstration project, in three sites, to provide comprehensive services to domestic minor victims of human trafficking in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. They will develop programs to serve female and male victims of sex and labor trafficking who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The types of assistance provided to these victims are similar to those provided to victims who are foreign nationals; however, services are geared toward the unique circumstances of U.S. citizens who are under 18 years old.

Also in December 2009, OVC and BJA hosted the first Regional Training Forum in Tampa, Florida, for the South and Southeast regions of the U.S. The Forum provided an opportunity for the BJA task forces and the OVC service providers to receive training, discuss case information, share intelligence, and network with other law enforcement and victim service providers in the region.

According to one attendee, the Forum included “one of the best active intelligence exchanges I have attended with law enforcement in a long time…in part because this was a regional training, where patterns and cases were seen crossing into each other’s backyards.” Additional forums will take place around the U.S. in 2010.

In May 2010, the Department will host its fourth National Conference on Human Trafficking in Arlington, Virginia. Approximately 600 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers, and other professionals will be invited to attend this event. We will address the complexities of human trafficking, facilitate the sharing of promising practices, and support the development of evidence-based strategies to combat slavery and human trafficking in the U.S.

For more information on both the Department of Justice and the Federal Government’s efforts to combat trafficking, please see the Attorney General’s Annual Report to Congress and Assessment of U.S. Government Activities to Combat Trafficking in Persons, released in June 2009. This report is compiled and released annually.

As President Obama states in his proclamation, “Together, we can and must end this most serious, ongoing criminal civil rights violation.”

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. If you suspect an act of human trafficking in your area, you can report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This national, toll free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

1st District CAC Meeting

The next regular monthly meeting of the First District’s Citizens’ Advisory Council (CAC) will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the 1D Station -101 M Street SW (the former Bowen School).

TOPIC: CAR JACKINGS

Sgt. James Somers from MPD’s Car Jacking Task Force will join 1D’s Commander Kamperin to provide you with critical information and answers to your questions about the alarming increase in car jackings, not only in the First District, most recently in PSA 103- but also how this crime is on the rise in all seven MPD police districts.

Additional Agenda Item Highlights Include:
Commander's Report: Crime Stats; Cops Cop of the Month (Officer Joshua Martinez)
Chair's Report: New CAC Legislative Committee; 1D CAC Awards Ceremony Planning Update

Please note that regular monthly CAC meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the 1D Station – 101-M Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Passage of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Resolution

Associate Attorney General Perrelli, Senators Announce Passage of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Resolution
Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli joined Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) today to announce the Senate’s passage of Resolution 373, which designates February 2010 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month."

Since 2004, Congress has designated the first full week in February as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week." However, this year the Justice Department worked with the Senate to designate the entire month of February as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month." This provides parity to the three other crimes included in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, each of which has a designated month for public education and awareness activities.

"For the first time, this crime is being commemorated as ‘National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month,’ instead of a week. This is no small feat, and I commend the Senate for its unanimous passage," said Associate Attorney General Perrelli. "The department will continue to raise awareness regarding teen dating violence, and will use federal resources to assist schools and communities in stopping such violence."

This year marks the 15 year anniversary of President Bill Clinton signing VAWA into law and the creation of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Today’s event is another installment in the department’s year-long effort to raise public awareness, build stronger coalitions among federal, state, local and tribal communities, and redouble efforts to end domestic and teen dating violence, sexual assault and stalking for men, women and children across the country.

Crime on H Street Continues

Our crime continues here is some of what happened over the weekend.....

Police Alert-Robbery Gun
Robbery Gun: 2232 hours. 716 5th St.NE -LOF: B/M 5'10 Sent on: 01/24 22:49
Police Alert-Robbery Gun
Robbery Gun-2201 hours-12th@ H Street NE-LOF:B/M ,5'10",all black clothing,black face mask - last seen running towards 13th Street NE-Subject pulled weapon and demanded money
Sent on: 01/24 22:15
Police Alert-Robbery
Robbery at 3Rd and H St. NE. 1842 hours. Lookout for 4 B/M'S... APPP13-14YOBM'S... SUBJS WALKING TOWARDS NORTH CAPITOL ON H

Traffic Fatality on Interstate 295

January 19, 2010

Members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit are currently investigating a traffic fatality which occurred along Interstate 295.

At approximately 2:07 am on Saturday, January 16, 2010, a 2001 Dodge Ram truck was reportedly traveling southbound on Interstate 295. As the vehicle was just north of the exit for Foot Street, NE, it collided with an apparently disabled 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis that was unoccupied. The truck then subsequently struck the male operator of the Mercury who had been standing behind his vehicle that had reportedly been involved in a single vehicle collision just moments before. That individual suffered multiple injuries as result of that impact and was pronounced dead on the scene at 4:58 am by a representative from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia.


The decedent in this case has been identified as 28-year-old Oscar Noel Mercado of the 1800 block of Morris Road, SE.


The operator of the striking vehicle who has been identified as 31-year-old Antoine Awkward of Fort Washington, Maryland was transported by personnel from the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to an area hospital and admitted for the treatment of his injuries.

At this time no charges have been filed as all of the circumstances surrounding this case remain under ongoing investigation by members from the department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit.

This is the second traffic fatality for 2010 which includes the traffic related fatality that occurred on January 3, 2010, that is being investigated by the United States Park Police.

Robbery in NoMA area

Police Alert-REPORT CHANGED ROBBERY GUN TO ASSAULT W/A DANGEROUS WEAPON GUN PSA 101

REPORT CHANGED ROBBERY GUN TO ASSAULT W/A DANGEROUS WEAPON GUN: 1228 HRS UNIT B/O PATTERSON ST NE LOF B/M..17YRS..5'9"..LT CPLX...LSW THICK BLUE COAT W/RIBBON ON SIDE; 2 B/M'S LS RUNNING TWD 1200 N CAPITAL ST NW

G Street Robbery

Police Alert-Robbery Gun

Robbery Gun_2245 hours_12th & G St NE_B/M black ski mask, black north face coat; 2 other B/M's black clothing armed with handguns 01/15

School Resource Officer Deployment Plan

From MPD:
Updated School Resource Officer Deployment Plan

This week, Mayor Adrian Fenty, joined by Deputy Mayor for Education Victor Reinoso
and Chief of Police Cathy Lanier, introduced the District’s updated School Resource Officer (SRO) deployment plan. Under the new deployment plan, which will be rolled out over the next two weeks, SROs will support both DCPS and public charter schools.
“The updated SRO deployment plan is designed to support all District public schools,”
said Mayor Fenty. “My administration is committed to providing diverse and excellent
educational options for District students. Providing a safe learning environment is crucial to this commitment.”

In the District of Columbia, the key partners who work together to provide a safe and
secure environment in the schools are the school administrators, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and any contractual security guards. The School Resource Officers (SROs)are MPD police officers with specialized training designed to enhance community policing with youth and schools. In addition to fulfilling their primary responsibilities as police officers to respond to any criminal incident, SROs:
»» Coordinate conflict mediations and response to conflicts that have happened or may
happen off school grounds;
»» Coordinate the Safe Passage Program to provide safe routes for youth to and from schools;
»» Provide more intensive support to at-risk youth, such as home visits to chronic truants; and
Provide more intensive support to at-risk youth, such as home visits to chronic truants; and
»» Visit and work with the schools that feed into middle and high schools.
“Although each charter school is responsible for meeting its basic security needs, SROs play an important role in supporting and mentoring public school students,” said Chief of Police Cathy Lanier. “This support not only enhances the immediate learning environment,it strengthens the community – police relations that are helping our city to grow and thrive.”

To meet the needs of all public schools in the District — DCPS as well as charter schools
— MPD has updated its SRO coverage plan. Similar to deployment in police districts, the size of and resources dedicated to each school will vary depending on need and workload. As in the police districts, deployment levels can change as needs change. The updated SRO deployment model will include the following:

»» Designated/Shared SROs: Schools and student populations with the greatest need for MPD support will be assigned one or more SROs. Of these, many schools are clustered together in close proximity, with multiple schools sharing facilities or being located within a block or two of each other. These schools may share SROs, who will travel between the schools throughout the day. In this initial roll out, 60 schools will be served by designated or shared SROs. This includes 34 DCPS sites and 26 charter schools.
»» Roving SROs: Roving SROs will be teamed in pairs to serve middle and high schools thatdo not have designated SROs. These teams will visit each school on their beat at least once a day to meet with the school administrators and respond to any concerns at the school.
Roving SROs will be a resource for coordinating Safe Passages, targeted student outreach, and programs. As with other SROs, these officers will coordinate conflict mediations if needed, and will lend support and provide information on resources for at-risk students.

Automobile Fraud and Unsafe Vehicles

Automobile Fraud and Unsafe Vehicles: How the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System Can Help You Protect Yourself
January 6th, 2010 Posted by Tracy Russo
This post appears courtesy of the Office of Justice Programs. Consumers can access vehicle information on www.vehiclehistory.gov.

Automobile theft and fraud negatively impacts public safety and often results in tremendous financial loss to the public. In addition, car fraud can place unsuspecting consumers in unsafe vehicles.

In 1996, Congress passed legislation to address these crimes and provide consumer protection. The new law created the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), an electronic system designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold. This system also assists states and law enforcement in deterring, investigating, and preventing title fraud and other crimes.

The Justice Department has a strong interest in ensuring consumer safety and protection from these crimes. Since 1996, the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in partnership with the FBI, has been responsible for the oversight and implementation of this vehicle information system and has invested $22 million in the system to ensure key vehicle information history is available, accessible, and affordable to consumers.

Consumers can access critical nationwide total loss and salvage vehicle information on vehicles by visiting www.vehiclehistory.gov. NMVTIS is the only publicly available system in the U.S. to which all insurance carriers, and auto recyclers, such as junk yards and salvage yards, are required, under federal law, to report to on a regular basis.

The Justice Department’s consumer fraud prevention goals are reflected in the purpose and function of NMVTIS, including: preventing stolen vehicles from being resold; protecting consumers from fraud; reducing the use of stolen vehicles for criminal purposes; and providing consumer protection from unsafe vehicles.

The entire system has produced remarkable results in decreasing the number of cars stolen; improving recovery rate of stolen vehicles, increasing the ability to identify cloned vehicles prior to title issuance, increasing time and cost savings for state motor vehicle titling agencies, reducing consumer wait time at the DMV, and improving theft and fraud investigative abilities for law enforcement. For example, Virginia is seeing a 17 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts and Arizona has a 99 percent recovery rate on stolen vehicles.

The Act required all states to be fully compliant by January 1 of this year, and states unable to comply with all the requirements by that date have been strongly encouraged to submit a NMVTIS implementation plan to the Department.

We will continue to work closely with states, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders to maximize the consumer fraud prevention benefits of the system.

To learn more about these efforts, please visit www.vehiclehistory.gov.

Amber Alert

The following post appears courtesy of Kim Lowry, Communications Director for the Office of Justice Programs

There are few things more frightening than the loss of a child. Each year some 800,000 children are reported missing in the United States. Most of these children are not victims of abduction, and, fortunately, most soon return home.

For some children, however, their separation will last far longer—even a lifetime. For others, their abduction ends in the most tragic of ways.

The challenges of rescuing endangered missing and abducted children require a determined and coordinated effort. The first hours following a child’s abduction are the most critical. Of the children murdered in stranger abductions, 3 out of 4 are killed within the first three hours.

Early intervention is crucial and provides our best hope of protecting such children and reuniting them with their families. It was for this reason that the AMBER Alert system was initiated 14 years ago today.

Following the 2002 White House Conference on Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children, the PROTECT Act placed the AMBER Alert program under the auspices of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, with its Assistant Attorney General serving as AMBER Alert’s National Coordinator. As a national effort, the program coordinates media, law enforcement, and transportation agencies’ efforts to notify the public about missing children in the critical first hours following their abduction.

I am pleased to report that every state, two U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have AMBER Alert plans, and we are working hard to extend the program’s outreach.

Scores of tribal communities are developing their own AMBER Alert plans and programs and we have worked closely with Canada and Mexico to expand AMBER Alert efforts across our nation’s northern and southern borders.

The Department of Justice is committed to protecting our children and their families. Thanks to the collaboration of AMBER Alert’s partners and the timely response of concerned citizens to its alerts, 495 children have been returned to their families and homes.

AMBER Alerts are of course only a piece of what the Department of Justice does to protect children. Today, the Department announced the appointment of Francey Hakes to serve as the National Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, a position created by Congress in the Protect Our Children Act of 2008.

I invite you to visit the AMBER Alert Web site at www.amberalert.gov to learn how you can help.

Temporary Bus Stop

H Street NE Traffic Restrictions at 8th & 9th Streets
& Temporary Bus Stop Changes Take Effect January 11
8th & H Stop for Southbound 90, 92 & 93 Metrobuses To Be Relocated to 10th Street
The District Department of Transportation plans to implement traffic restrictions at the H Street NE intersections with 8th and 9th Streets on Monday, January 11th, weather permitting, for approximately six weeks. The restrictions will require temporarily moving the 8th and H Street southbound bus stop to 10th and H Street.
If January 11th weather conditions are suitable for construction work, the changes will take effect at 7:30 am on that date. In the event of bad weather, the changes will take effect at 7:30 am on the first available work day.
The restrictions are that the southbound lanes of 8th Street and 9th Street will be closed to traffic for one block – from I Street on the north to H Street on the south. Detour signs will be posted and flaggers will be on hand to direct motorists and pedestrians to 10th Street NE as the alternative. The restrictions are necessary to permit streetcar track construction across the intersections.
Metrobus Stop No. 1001122, which serves southbound Metrobuses on the 90, 92, and 93 routes, will be moved for the duration of the intersection work to 10th Street NE, alongside the former Bank of America branch bank now used as the office of the H Street Main Street organization. The location is just a few steps south of the H Street intersection. The bus stop is currently located on 8th Street, just south of H Street, alongside the Foot Locker store.
Northbound 8th Street and 9th Street traffic and the 8th Street bus stops for the northbound 90, 92, and 93 buses will not be affected. Eastbound and westbound H traffic will be able to cross the 8th Street and 9th Street intersections as usual.
If there are no serious weather-related delays, the intersection work is expected to be complete in about six weeks, allowing the intersection to be re-opened to southbound traffic. When the intersection work is complete, the Metrobus stop will be returned to its permanent location on 8th Street.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, www.ddot.dc.gov, under the “Major Construction Initiatives” menu selection.
If you would like further information or assistance, please call on us at any time. Thank you for your patience.
Margaret Gentry
Community Relations Specialist

Juvenile Crime Discussion Tuesday

Neighborhood Notice

Happy New Year Neighbors!

PSA 102 Neighborhood Public Safety Committee (NPSC) begins 2010 by tackling the issues of Juvenile Crime and Gang Interventions Policy

We are just getting started …We have heard the residents and businesses of PSA 102 say they are tired of attacks by juveniles and demand actions by city leaders
PSA 102 NPSC is composed of community members and police from the 1st District Patrol Service Area 102. Together, every month we tackle issues of crime led by Lt. Vendette Parker and community PSA coordinators Robert Pittman and Brandon Bies. Juvenile crime and violence is a major topic in many cities in the United States and in PSA 102, we are doing something about it by talking to those who wrangle with the decisions to prosecute, incarcerate or provide alternative correction action.
At our Tuesday 12 January 2010 meeting, our guests will be Marc Schindler, Esq. Chief of Staff for the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Service (DYRS), Lynette Collins, Esq., Section Chief of Juvenile Prosecution for the D.C. Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Members of the 1st District Command Staff of the Metropolitan Police Department, to include Commander David Kamperin, Assistant Commander Inspector Michael Reese, and Captain Michelle Queen, will join us. Michael Bonds of Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and residents will join us in a discussion designed to not only get answers but will allow residents to craft proposals to make the criminal justice system strong and more efficient with addressing violent criminal charges on juveniles that harm society through their actions.

Pending legislation Bill 18-549 Community Impact Statement Amendment Act of 2009 scheduled for a hearing next month will allow community groups and individuals to petition prosecutors and judges to keep juveniles charged with the most serious crimes to be held and not released back into the community. We will also be looking at other measures to address juvenile crime reduction and punishment.
Join us Tuesday night for a discussion that is sure to change public safety.

PDL Bloods Gang Member Pleads Guilty

PDL Bloods Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Carjacking and Drug Dealing

Baltimore, Maryland - Gary Knight, age 18, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and other drugs and carjacking, related to his gang activities.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy, Special Agent in Charge Theresa R. Stoop of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.

According to Knight’s plea agreement, in the early 1970s, a street gang that went by the name of “the Bloods” was formed in Los Angeles, California. The Bloods spread to other states and broke into individual units or “sets” — a term for a smaller criminal organization within the larger Bloods entity. Each sect was identified or affiliated with a certain street, neighborhood, or area. ATF agents in Baltimore have been investigating a Bloods sect known as the Pasadena Denver Lanes (also known as “the Lanes,” “PDL,” and “L-Gang”). This Baltimore street gang was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of illegal narcotics, including crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. The PDL gang also committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults, robberies, and other violent activities. Gary Knight was a member of the PDL Bloods in Baltimore.

From at least January 2008 to May 2009, Knight participated in the PDL gang activities. Specifically, Knight sold heroin, crack cocaine, and other drugs, distributed heroin and crack cocaine to other PDL Bloods members and participated in gang sanctions and other violence against PDL members for disobedience. Knight was overheard on numerous calls discussing his involvement in drug trafficking and gang-related activities. Knight is responsible for the distribution of between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of crack cocaine and 3 to 10 kilograms of heroin during the course of the conspiracy.

In addition, Knight admitted that on May 9, 2009 he carjacked a woman as she was parking her car and stole her black 2007 Nissan Sentra. During the carjacking Knight, who carried what appeared to be a black gun, ordered the woman to get into the trunk of the car. The woman refused and began struggling with Knight. In the course of the fight, the victim noticed that the gun was a pellet gun. Knight tossed the pellet gun to the ground and choked the woman until she lost consciousness and forced her into the trunk of the car. The victim regained consciousness inside the trunk and while the car was in motion was able to pull the trunk release and open the trunk enough to roll out of the car. The victim then ran away in search of a police officer. Unable to find an officer the victim ran back to her home and called 911. Officers at the home observed bruises on the victim’s neck and took photographs. Officers also recovered the pellet gun. On May 12, 2009, members of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force were in the 1500 black of Abbotson Drive in Baltimore when they saw the black 2007 Nissan Sentra being driven by Knight. Police stopped the car and Knight was arrested. During a subsequent taped interview, Knight advised police that he was a Bloods gang member and that his rank in the gang was increased by committing the carjacking.

Knight faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison on the drug charge and a maximum of 15 years in prison for the carjacking. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Rosenstein and Mrs. Jessamy praised the ATF’s Violent Crime Impact Teams and the Baltimore City Police Department, for their investigation of this case.

The prosecutors expressed their appreciation to Secretary Gary D. Maynard and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their assistance in the investigation.

Mr. Rosenstein and Mrs. Jessamy also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kwame J. Manley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci Robinson, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to EXILE cases, who are prosecuting the case, and Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorneys Staci Pipkin and Brandis Marsh, who assisted in the prosecution.

Alexandria Man Sentenced for Making Illegal Uzis

Alexandria Man Sentenced to Three Years for Making Illegal Uzi Machine Guns

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – John M. Walker, 50, of Alexandria, Va., was sentenced today to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally converting a semi-automatic rifle into a machine gun. The defendant also agreed to forfeit 19 of his firearms that were possessed in violation of the National Firearms Act.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Willie Brownlee, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in federal district court in Alexandria. Walker, who was cooperative with authorities, pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, 2009.

According to court documents, Walker admitted to illegally converting two semi-automatic Uzi firearms to fully-automatic Uzi machine guns and removing the serial numbers on the machine guns that he sold. He further agreed that he sold these two illegal fully-automatic Uzi machine guns to an undercover agent from the ATF for approximately $2,000 each.

Also in court documents, Walker admitted to possessing 19 firearms that had been converted to machine guns. Walker had not registered the 19 firearms in the National Firearms Act Registration and Transfer Record, and he had not paid the required Special Occupational Tax to manufacture, transfer or possess firearms designated in the National Firearms Act, specifically to include those sold to the undercover ATF agent. Thus, he agreed to forfeit the 19 illegal machine guns to ATF. The forfeiture will ensure that these guns are kept out of the hands of potential criminals.

This case was investigated by ATF. Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Bibighaus Hammerstrom prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.

REWARDS IN HOMICIDES, ROBBERIES, OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES

In an effort to enlist even more community support in solving crimes and prosecuting
offenders, the MPD reminds members of the public that the Department operates and supports a number of reward programs. These programs offer members of the community substantial cash rewards for information that can help the MPD close cases. For example, the MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. This reward applies to recent cases or homicides that were committed years ago. The Department also offers an enhanced reward of up to $5,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery in DC. The reward amount increases to up to $10,000 for information in robberies that involve a life-threatening injury to the victim.

Anyone with information about an unsolved homicide, robbery, or other crime in DC
is asked to call the MPD’s 24-hour or the Command Information Center (CIC) at (202) 727-9099. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-888-919-CRIME (888 919-2746).

Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text
messaging 50411. And, of course, the Department continues to support the Crime Solvers program, which offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for other felony crimes. The Crime Solvers telephone number is (800) 673-2777. All calls to Crime Solvers are confidential, and callers need not provide their names.

Arrest Made in Chardale Bowe Murder Case

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced that an arrest has been made in the fatal shooting of Chardale Bowe, which occurred on North Capitol Street, NE on December 31, 2009. On Thursday, January 7, 2010, at about 1:30 pm, 26-year-old Randolph Thomas, Jr., was arrested by homicide detectives with the assistance of members of the Capitol Area Region Fugitive Task Force pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with First Degree Felony Murder While Armed in connection with the death of Mr. Bowe. Mr. Thomas was arrested, without incident, in the 500 block of Indiana Avenue, NW.

On Thursday, December 31, 2009, at approximately 11:25 pm, an officer assigned to the Fourth District was flagged down by personnel from the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department in the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE where an adult male shooting victim was located. The emergency medical personnel could find no life signs.

The victim, identified as 42-year-old Chardale Bowe of no fixed address, was officially pronounced dead on the scene at approximately 1:30 am on January 1, 2010 by a representative from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia.