A man accepted what seemed like a simple offer for a ride in Northwest Washington, D.C. early Sunday, July 26 — and ended up shot and robbed on the street before the gunman sped off, leaving him wounded on the pavement. Police are still searching for the shooter more than two weeks later.
According to police, the suspect offered the victim transportation, and the victim went with him to a vehicle near the 1600 block of 12th Street NW. As Daily Voice reports, the Metropolitan Police Department was dispatched to that block at approximately 4:34 a.m. on July 26 following initial reports of the shooting. Investigators say the suspect then demanded the victim's property before pulling out a gun.
The victim handed over his belongings, but the suspect allegedly shot him anyway before fleeing the scene and leaving him wounded behind, according to MPD. DC Fire and EMS transported the victim to an area hospital, where he was treated for injuries described as not life-threatening.
Police Release Surveillance Images, Seek Public's Help
The Metropolitan Police Department released surveillance photos and footage of the wanted man on Wednesday, hoping someone in the community can identify him. The suspect remains unidentified as of Wednesday, and police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators. Officers have cautioned the public not to approach the suspect, who they consider armed and dangerous.
The department is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects responsible for violent crimes, including non-fatal shootings and armed robberies, according to MPD policy. Anyone with information can also submit anonymous tips, photos, or video through MPD's 24/7 Command Information Center hotline at (202) 727-9099 or by texting 50411.
A Familiar Corridor for Early-Morning Violence
This is not the first time the 12th Street NW corridor has seen an early-morning robbery turn violent. Hoodline previously reported on an armed robbery that occurred around 3:24 a.m. on the 2000 block of 12th Street NW, which resulted in an eight-year prison sentence for one of the assailants. In February, Hoodline also covered a knife-wielding thief who stabbed a store worker on the same stretch of 12th Street NW during a violent robbery and assault.
The Metropolitan Police Department's Third District, which covers central Northwest neighborhoods surrounding 12th Street NW, is responsible for patrolling and investigating crimes in the area. Citywide, the department recorded a 35 percent overall reduction in violent crime in 2024, including a 39 percent decline in robberies, according to DC Witness. Still, opportunistic armed robberies like this one continue to test law enforcement even as overall numbers trend downward.
What the Suspect Could Face if Caught
If the suspect is identified and convicted, he could face significant prison time under District law. A robbery conviction under D.C. Code § 22-2801 carries a mandatory statutory sentence of 2 to 15 years, with additional penalty enhancements possible under D.C. Code § 22-4502 for committing a violent crime while armed with a firearm. Separately, assault with a dangerous weapon is classified as a felony under D.C. Code § 22-402, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $25,000, according to court filings reviewed in related District cases.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released any additional details about the suspect's identity or the vehicle involved. Anyone who recognizes the man in the surveillance images is urged to come forward, whether through MPD's tip line or by contacting investigators directly.
