Off-duty DC cop tackles armed robber in violent Barracks Row holdup
Washington, DC — A would-be armed robber picked the wrong street on Friday night when an off-duty D.C. police officer jumped into action and single-handedly stopped a violent attack near Barracks Row.
Around 8:45 p.m. on the 400 block of 8th Street Southeast, a man was approached by a suspect who pulled a gun and demanded his belongings. The victim resisted, leading the suspect to strike him with the weapon before forcibly snatching his property. Unbeknownst to the assailant, an off-duty Metropolitan Police Department officer was nearby, saw the robbery unfold, and swiftly intervened—detaining the suspect on the spot.
Joseph Wilkins, Jr., 46, who has no fixed address, was arrested and now faces a list of serious charges, including Robbery while Armed and multiple firearms violations. He is also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, according to officials.
The weapon used in the robbery was recovered, and charges also include Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition, and Possession of a Large-Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device. Wilkins also faces charges for Possession of a Prohibited Weapon and Prohibited Possession of Certain Dangerous Weapons.
The victim was treated at the scene for injuries sustained during the assault. The swift action by the off-duty officer prevented further harm and led to the immediate arrest of the suspect.
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Key Points
- A robbery suspect was arrested after an off-duty officer stopped an armed holdup near Barracks Row
- Joseph Wilkins, Jr., 46, is facing multiple gun and drug charges after allegedly striking the victim and stealing property
- The officer intervened during the assault and detained the suspect until backup arrived