A man died and eight others were injured in a shooting in Northwest DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood on Sunday.
The 28-year-old deceased man has been identified as Devin Peterson of Northeast DC.
The incident took place near 14th Street and Spring Road NW when three men opened fire after they stepped out of a car at around 5 pm, according to DC Police. Two of the suspects reportedly had long guns, and one had a pistol.
Out of the seven other male and one female victims, three were in critical condition on Sunday evening.
7.19.20 Chief Newsham provides update regarding shooting that occurred at 14th Street & Spring Road, NW. thank https://t.co/CiP0gU1uZV
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) July 19, 2020
“This type of brazen daylight activity in a very, very busy block I’m sure is scary for this community,” Police Chief Peter Newsham said about the attack.
“I don’t know what people are thinking if they think they can enter a block and lay down that many rounds. They’re putting everyone in this community in jeopardy,” he added, calling the incident “absolutely ridiculous” and “insane.”
According to Newsham, the group seemed to have targeted a certain group of people.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also condemned the shooting, saying it “should not be business as usual.”
Anyone who has information is asked to call the police, who are still looking for the perpetrators. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for those who can help law enforcement officers make arrests.
DC police have recorded more homicides in 2020 as of mid-July compared to the same period of 2019, which is an increase of over 20 percent.