Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card
Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Armed robbery suspect busted after brutal Columbia Heights attack

Posted by
1 min read
April 8, 2025
A violent robbery in the heart of Columbia Heights leads to a swift arrest and ongoing search for suspects.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a violent armed robbery that left victims battered and shaken on a Northwest D.C. street last month.


Key Points

  • Robbery occurred March 26 in broad daylight on Hiatt Place NW
  • Victims were assaulted, with one struck by a handgun
  • Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 20, arrested and charged with Robbery While Armed

The incident took place at approximately 4:42 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, when multiple suspects confronted victims on the 3100 block of Hiatt Place NW. The suspects physically assaulted the victims and struck one with a handgun before stealing property and fleeing the scene.

Following an investigation, police arrested Orlin Lemus-Cruz of Northwest D.C. on Saturday, April 5. He has been formally charged with Robbery While Armed.

Investigation into other suspects remains active

Authorities have not confirmed how many additional suspects are involved or whether further arrests are expected. The case remains open as detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.

Robbery While Armed is considered a felony under D.C. law, and the charge carries serious penalties upon conviction.

Police offer reward for tips on violent crimes

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for violent crimes. Anyone with tips is urged to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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