Suspect arrested after back to back gunpoint robberies on Washington Place
Washington, DC – A rapid pair of armed robberies at neighboring businesses in Northeast Washington ended with an arrest after detectives traced the suspect through security footage.
The Metropolitan Police Department announced Thursday that a suspect has been arrested in connection with two armed robberies that occurred within minutes of each other on January 29 in the 2300 block of Washington Place, Northeast.
According to police, the first incident occurred at approximately 6:58 p.m., when a suspect entered an establishment and brandished a handgun while demanding money from the register. The employee was unable to open the register, and the suspect fled without obtaining any money.
Just three minutes later, at approximately 7:01 p.m., police said the same suspect entered another nearby establishment on the same block. Once again, the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money. In that incident, the employee complied, and the suspect fled with cash from the register.
After reviewing security camera footage from the businesses, MPD detectives identified the suspect. On Wednesday, officers located and arrested 66-year-old Alvin Ponson Jr. of Southeast Washington.
Ponson was charged with attempted robbery of an establishment while armed and robbery of an establishment while armed. Police said he was also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The investigation into the robberies remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Two armed robberies occurred minutes apart on Washington Place
- A suspect allegedly used a handgun in both incidents
- A 66-year-old man was arrested and faces multiple charges
