Crime and Courts

Officer Impersonator Shoots 2 People at Youth Facility in DC: Police

The suspect wore a fake badge and a police vest, authorities said.

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A man disguised as a police officer shot a man and a minor at a Northeast D.C. facility for youths awaiting trial Tuesday afternoon, police said. 

First responders were called for a report of a shooting in the 6000 block of Clay Street NE before 3 p.m. 

The gunman was allowed inside the privately owned facility after he said he was an officer serving a warrant on one of the juveniles being housed there, police said. 

“He recognized that individual who was in the facility, immediately pulled out a handgun and started shooting at that individual,” Metropolitan Police Department Cmdr. John Haines. 

“Unfortunately during the gunfire, an innocent person inside that worked there was also struck by gunfire,” Haines said. “They’re both suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital.”

Police believe said the gunman targeted the juvenile. 

“He was absolutely trying, specifically targeting that individual,” Haines said. 

The age of the juvenile was not provided.

The gunman got away in a black SUV, police said.

An official familiar with the investigation said the juveniles who were being housed at the facility have been relocated while the processes used that allowed the gunman to get inside are assessed.

Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.  

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