A teenage boy was shot Saturday night near the Waterfront Metro station in Southwest Washington, D.C., turning a normally routine ride home into a crime scene investigation. D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services took the teen to a nearby hospital with injuries police described as non-life-threatening, and officers briefly closed parts of M Street SW while they worked the case. Even as detectives moved in, trains kept running and the station stayed open.
What police say
First District officers were called to reports of gunfire in the 300 block of M Street SW, where they found the victim, described by police as a teenage male, conscious and breathing, according to WUSA9. Police shut down M Street between 3rd and 4th streets SW during the initial response so detectives could process the scene. As of now, officials have not named any suspects or released a possible motive.
Transit and the scene
Despite the heavy police presence nearby, the Waterfront Metro station stayed open and trains continued to operate normally, authorities said. The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to call its anonymous tip line at (202) 727-9099 or text photos, videos or tips to 50411, per the Metropolitan Police Department. Pedestrian access in the immediate area around the scene was restricted while officers conducted their investigation.
Context: Teen takeovers and curfew enforcement
The shooting comes as officials are already under the microscope over recent so-called "teen takeovers" and juvenile curfew enforcement around Navy Yard and the Southwest waterfront. Police previously made several arrests at the Waterfront Metro during large gatherings, according to earlier reporting. Local outlets and police said the city rolled out temporary juvenile curfew zones over spring break in an effort to head off large unsanctioned gatherings while trying to balance enforcement with community outreach. Investigators say they are following up on leads and again urging anyone with information to speak up.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video that could help detectives is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or to send an anonymous text to 50411. Tips may be eligible for a reward and will be reviewed by investigators.
