Mugging at 5th & Allison

[from a male resident, forwarded to Petworth News]

Dear Neighbors,

I am sad to report that last night [4/21] I was jumped coming home from the Petworth Metro. It was about 9:35pm and as I walked up the west side of 5th St above Grant Circle, I noticed someone following me. A husky man jogged past me as I approached Allison St. and then he stopped and walked very slowly down the middle of Allison a few steps. I was already walking quickly, crossed Allison and sped up my pace. He came up behind me saying "Gimme whatcha got. Gimme it now." I started to cross to the other side of 5th but he closed in on me and I turned to confront him. He tried to grab me and I gave him a shove back, but he came back at me and knocked me to the ground. I managed to bring him down and wriggle free and he came after me again. We wrestled a second or two and down I went a second time, again managing to bring him down with me.

Suddenly, he got up and started running away down 5th St toward the circle. I came home and called 911 about 9:45pm to report the assault. I didn't realize until later that although I still had my wallet, my Palm Vx (PDA) was missing. That is an inconvenience but not a huge hassle. Hopefully they won't find it very interesting. It took police an hour and ten minutes to show up at my door, at which point I was ready for a good long night's sleep. I told the officer I would make the report today, which I am on my way now to do at the ROC on 8th & Shepherd.

All I can say about the robber is that he was about 6'2" (my height), husky, weighed about 215, had a black bandana over his head, and dark jacket and pants. Luckily for me, he didn't have a weapon, just his bare hands.

Be safe,

D.

Comments

[crazydem]

I also read in the crime reports from a few weeks ago that someone was robbed at gun point at the corner of 5th and Rock Creek Church Road at 1:30 am.

I agree with Bill -- we should keep making our selves visible rather than retreat. It's already gotten much better over the past year. When I'm walking home after dark I tend to walk in the middle of the street rather than on the dark sidewalks.

Does anyone know what all the sirens were for -- I think it was Friday night.

[jason]

I am really sorry to learn of this incident and the inadequate police response. When I was mugged last January, the police did respond quickly to the 911 call and drove me around for several blocks to see if the attacker was still in the area. Unfortunately, I was jumped from behind and did not get a good enough look to be able to identify him. In this situation, a timely police response might have caught the guy. I can't imagine a justification for responding more than an hour late, but I would like to know what MPD has to say.
I agree with Bill that more foot traffic makes the streets safer, but we need police support to get to that point.

[mjbrox]

All of this is further reason to get out for walks and be friendly with others you see. They are your eyes and ears when you are not home

[Joseph Martin]

I just read in the police reports that two guys were robbed at midnight on the 20th on the 500 block of Varnum, that's on the west side of Grant Circle, a few blocks from where last night's robbery took place.

We had plants taken from our yard at 4th & Varnum one night this week. And a neighbor on my block (4200 block of 4th St NW) found evidence of someone trying to break into his garage where he keeps a lot of garden tools.

Reminder to everyone to call the cops when these things happen for the record and to provide more focus to patrols.

[Bill]

Last night's mugging is a reminder to all of us to be aware when out and about, although clearly awareness alone didn't stop this particular incident. I believe more foot traffic, not less, increases the safety of the neighborhood, so I would hope people don't retreat behind barricaded doors. Part of the positive vibe people notice more and more around here stems from residents being active, visible, and concerned.

That said, as an alternative to walking at night, I've posted bus routes in the new Maps section (lower left sidebar).

Bill Crandall

[mjbrox]

A hour and a half response for something like that is inexcusable, try to keep an eye out for the guy.

BTW, this is why we can not have people selling drugs in our neighborhood. The assailant was probably desperate for some crack money.

Please keep us posted on how the police handle this.