Police are asking for the public’s help tracking down a man who robbed another person on Half Street SE last Wednesday night, allegedly forcing the victim to give up both a phone and its password. The robbery happened around 9:45 p.m. in the 1000 block of Half Street SE, where the suspect claimed he had a gun, took the phone, then ran off. Surveillance cameras captured him on video.
Surveillance image released
In a press release, the Metropolitan Police Department said the suspect approached the victim at about 9:45 p.m. and demanded the phone password. The victim initially refused, but after the suspect said he had a gun, the victim handed over the phone and password. Police say surveillance footage captured clear images of the suspect, and they have released a photo in hopes that someone in the community will recognize him.
Navy Yard context
The 1000 block of Half Street sits in the Capitol Riverfront and Navy Yard area near Nationals Park, a stretch of the city that has been rapidly developing in recent years. The corridor has seen other recent alerts from MPD as well. Earlier reporting notes that the department also asked for public assistance after a November robbery on the 1200 block of Half Street. For a broader look at how the neighborhood is mapped and planned, the Capitol Riverfront BID offers detailed planning documents.
How to help
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the person in the images or has information about the case to "take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099" or text tips to 50411. The case is listed under CCN 26028882. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
