A d. C. Metro police department patrol car.
A D.C. Metro Police Department patrol car.

Business break-in on MLK Avenue ends in burglary arrest

by
April 14, 2025
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Early morning burglary attempt in Southeast ends with swift arrest by responding officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 59-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning after being caught inside a business in Southeast D.C. during an attempted burglary, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Key Points

  • Incident occurred Saturday, April 12 at approximately 5:04 a.m.
  • Suspect found inside business on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Southeast
  • Francis Smith, 59, was charged with Burglary Two and Destruction of Property

Suspect apprehended at scene after attempted escape

Officers from the Seventh District responded to the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Southeast, for a report of a burglary in progress. When they arrived, they located a suspect inside the establishment.

The suspect tried to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by officers already on site.

Charges filed following Southeast break-in

Police identified the suspect as Francis Smith, 59, of Southeast, D.C. He was arrested and charged with Burglary Two and Destruction of Property. The nature of the damage inside the establishment has not yet been disclosed.

The case remains under investigation.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

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