WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia found 18-year-old Kevin Diaz of Washington, D.C., guilty of robbery, assault with the intent to rob, and other related charges stemming from an incident in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood on Apr. 25, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made the announcement.
The event unfolded around 8 a.m. on the aforementioned date when a construction worker and a roofer reached near the 1600 block of Lamont Street, NW, to start work on a local establishment.
While waiting in a nearby alley, the construction worker was confronted by Diaz, identifiable by his distinct chin-length hair, unique attire, and striking red shoes. Diaz brandished an ice pick, claimed affiliation with the 18th Street gang, demanded money, and threatened the worker’s life. When the worker didn’t comply, Diaz turned his threats towards the roofer, who, out of fear, handed Diaz $20 from his truck. Diaz then departed from the scene.
Following the incident, MPD officers gathered surveillance footage capturing Diaz with the unique features described by the victims and a witness.
Upon canvassing the vicinity, officers located Diaz approximately 10 blocks away, an hour after the robbery. After both victims identified him as the perpetrator, he was arrested and has been detained since.
The sentencing, set by The Honorable Michael Ryan, will take place on Dec. 15, 2023.