Large group of juveniles sparks robberies, gunfire and arrests in Navy Yard
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A large group of juveniles gathered in the Navy Yard area Saturday night, leading to robberies, a gun being fired into the air and two firearm arrests, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Police said officers first observed juveniles congregating around 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the park area between First Street and New Jersey Avenue SE near an entrance to the Navy Yard Metro Station. By about 8:30 p.m., the group had grown to roughly 200 juveniles.
Several incidents unfolded over the next few hours, resulting in two arrests and the recovery of two firearms, authorities said.
At approximately 9:12 p.m., multiple suspects assaulted a juvenile victim in the 1200 block of First Street SE and forcibly stole the victim’s shoes and jacket before fleeing. The victim was not injured.
Around 9:47 p.m., a suspect fired a gun into the air inside the park area. Members of the National Guard observed the incident and stopped the suspect. Police recovered the firearm and arrested a 15-year-old male from Southwest D.C. on charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. No injuries were reported.
At about 10:00 p.m., multiple suspects assaulted two juvenile victims near New Jersey Avenue and M Street SE and stole personal belongings. The victims later went to a hospital with minor injuries.
At approximately 10:34 p.m., members of the U.S. Secret Service observed a suspect matching a lookout enter a rideshare vehicle in the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue SE. During a traffic stop, officers saw the suspect attempt to discard a firearm. The weapon was recovered and a 16-year-old male from Southeast D.C. was arrested for carrying a pistol without a license.
Most of the group dispersed as the citywide juvenile curfew took effect at 11:00 p.m. One juvenile was stopped for a curfew violation at 11:26 p.m., and no further incidents were reported overnight.
Interim Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll said the behavior displayed in Navy Yard “cannot be tolerated” and praised officers and partner agencies for safely recovering two firearms.
Authorities said police and partner agencies will maintain a large presence in the area. Officials also reminded the public that a citywide curfew for juveniles under 18 runs from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.
Key Points
- Roughly 200 juveniles gathered in Navy Yard Saturday night
- Multiple robberies and a firearm discharge reported
- Two juveniles arrested and two guns recovered