An 18-year-old suspect named Justice Thomas has been taken into custody in connection to a shooting in Northwest D.C. that left a 17-year-old girl wounded, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The incident occurred on the 200 block of Morgan Street, Northwest, where Third District officers responded quickly after reports of gunfire in the afternoon of Tuesday.
The investigation, which is still ongoing, suggests that the victim was approached by two individuals attempting to rob her at gunpoint. A third person, alleged to be Thomas, is said to have exited a vehicle and to have been actively involved in the subsequent exchange of gunfire that resulted in the victim's injury. After MPD released a photo of Thomas to the public, he turned himself into authorities the following morning. MPD reports state that Thomas, a resident of Northeast D.C., has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).
The victim was promptly taken to an area hospital and is currently being treated for serious, but non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. As the case unfolds, the police have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. An incentive of up to $10,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in connection to this violent crime, as part of MPD's efforts to deter such offenses in the District aggressively.
Authorities ask individuals with useful information to avoid direct engagement. Instead, they should contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or anonymously text a tip to the department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
