DC mayor, police chief call on community to help fight spike in violence
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The statistics for violent crime may be down in the District, but the number of homicides is up.
Residents and business owners along Benning Road in Northeast Washington are experiencing that reality firsthand. There have been multiple shootings in the past week.
"I'm horrified," said Langston Civic Association President Sydelle Moore. "Everyone is afraid."
On Wednesday, police released video of one of the men they believe is responsible for some of that fear.
Images show a man in a hoodie and a red vest standing in the 1800 block of Benning Rd. Police say the unidentified man is a person of interest in a Monday night murder.
"It was a surprise," said Seung Ryu. "I've been here for two years and in just one week it happened three times.
Ryu works at Sylvia's Liquors on Benning Road. He's on the same block where police say 25-year-old Marquiawn Williams was killed Monday.
The block is also where four others were shot Friday. All of those victims survived.
Police also announced the arrest Michael Ross, 26, of Southeast D.C. for the shooting. However, they are still looking for a second suspect identified as Anthony Farmer, 27.
Mayor Muriel Bowser went to Benning Rd. Wednesday to address the shootings.
"Regardless of the motive, the type of violent crime is disturbing, outrageous, and it certainly highlights a need to get illegal guns out of our community," she said.
Residents and local leaders alike say they have seen an increase in police presence. Still, they say it is going to take more from business owners and better cameras to fight this wave of violence.
"We do need businesses like Sylvia's to take security more seriously," said Moore. "Get better cameras that face in more directions. We do need DCRA to board up some of the vacant buildings and prevent people from using this as an open air drug market and bar."
If you have information on the recent shootings call the Metropolitan Police Department. You may remain anonymous by calling: (202) 727-9099
