Homeowner fires shotgun during Southeast DC break in

Shotgun blast stops Q Street break in suspect charged after violent struggle inside Southeast home

WASHINGTON, DC — A man accused of forcing his way into an occupied Southeast home Tuesday night was shot during a struggle with the resident before officers took him into custody, police said.

The break-in happened at about 7:41 p.m. in the 2300 block of Q Street Southeast. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, a suspect breached the door of the home while it was occupied.

A confrontation followed inside the residence, during which the victim discharged a registered shotgun, striking the suspect. Responding Sixth District officers arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect without further incident.

DC Fire and EMS transported the injured man to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

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Frederick Douglas Smith III, 33, of Southeast D.C., has been charged with Burglary I in connection with the incident.

No additional injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.


Key Points

  • A burglary occurred Tuesday night in the 2300 block of Q Street Southeast
  • The homeowner discharged a registered shotgun during a struggle with the suspect
  • Frederick Douglas Smith III, 33, was charged with Burglary I

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