The Metropolitan Police Department, collaborating with the United States Secret Service, has arrested individuals in a series of robberies targeting restaurant-goers in Northwest D.C. According to the MPD, 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva was caught and charged with two counts of Robbery (Stealth), resulting from incidents where purses were snatched from victims as they dined.
The first reported theft occurred on April 12 in the 800 block of F Street, followed by a second incident on April 17 in the 900 block of 9th Street. Detectives were able to track down Leiva thanks to video evidence. He was apprehended last Saturday by the combined forces of the MPD and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). Beyond the details provided in the Metropolitan Police Department's release, Leiva also faces additional charges for an offense currently under investigation by the Secret Service.
The investigation remains active, and the Metropolitan Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward. They emphasize that potential tipsters should not intervene directly but rather contact authorities. Informants may call the police at (202) 727-9099 or send a message to their TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The MPD is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for these crimes.
