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Everything you need to know about DC's 2022 cherry blossom season
Auditions take place April 23 and April 24 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. — Editor's Note: The video above is from a segment from WUSA9's show "Open Mic" which airs on weekdays at 7 p.m.
The Washington Commanders is looking for up to 40 men and women to join its entertainment team.
Anyone who is a dancer or gymnast and is at least 18 on May 1, 2022, is welcome to audition for the Commanders Entertainment Team.
The team performs stunts, high-energy hip-hop dances with tricks and entertains sports fans with street funk fun.
Auditions for the team take place at FedEx Field in Landover on April 23 and April 24. Click here for more specific information about the auditions.
Dancers auditioning are encouraged to attend the Commanders' pre-audition dance clinics that take place through April 20. The first of the four sessions has already happened but there are three additional sessions that will be held at the Entertainment Team Studio at FedEX Field.
Here are the upcoming clinics:
Session 2 takes place April 5-6;
Session 3 takes place April 12-13; and
Session 4 takes place April 19-20.
Each session costs $100 and people can register to attend a clinic online.
A statement from the Commanders Entertainment Team says, "These sessions are designed to give attendees an inside look at the Washington Entertainment Team dance style and how the audition process will work. These clinics also allow time to ask questions and receive feedback from captains and coaches."
The Commanders Entertainment Team will announce the members of its 2022 team live at the end of its second day of auditions on April 24.
Rehearsals for the 2022 season will be on May 10. Anyone with questions about the audition process should send the Entertainment Team an email by clicking here. | 2022-04-02T14:13:51Z | www.wusa9.com | Commanders Entertainment Team looking for 40 new members | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-entertainment-team-looking-for-40-members/65-6b97745c-c78d-4e50-aa16-30bbcf1da680 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-entertainment-team-looking-for-40-members/65-6b97745c-c78d-4e50-aa16-30bbcf1da680 |
Calvert County officials estimate the damages total more than $2,000.
CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — A 46-year-old man is in police custody after breaking into a Calvert County church and damaging the property.
Officials say deputies from the department responded to Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, in North Beach, Md. around 7:21 a.m. Friday for reports of a burglary.
Investigators say a suspect, later identified as Edward Francis Lavin, entered the church through the front door and caused major damage to the sanctuary.
A representative for the department told WUSA9 a stone angel, crucifix, a stained glass window on the front door, multiple candles and candleholders, and an organ and piano were all damaged. The total for damages is estimated at $2,680.
On its Facebook page, the church shared a letter from its pastor, Father James Stack, to parishioners.
Stack writes in the letter, "As some of you may have heard, last night St. Anthony's was broken into and ransacked, in particular the sanctuary. The tabernacle was untouched. The situation could have been a lot worse although, there was quite a bit of destruction."
The church is in the process of "cleaning up and getting things put back together," Stack wrote, adding, "all events for this weekend, retreats, Stations of the Cross soup supper, Mass etc. will take place as scheduled."
Lavin was identified by investigators through surveillance footage and evidence collected from the scene. Detectives arrested Lavin at his home in Chesapeake Beach, Md. and took him to the Calvert County Detention Center.
He is charged with Second Degree Burglary, Fourth Degree Burglary, Malicious Destruction of Property more than $1,000 and Theft Less than $100.
RELATED: Jewish community comes together at US Capitol, brings awareness to antisemitism
RELATED: Black Lives Matter banner vandalized at Arlington church | 2022-04-02T21:38:51Z | www.wusa9.com | Man arrested after destroying church sanctuary, police say | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/calvert-county-man-charged-with-burglary-after-vandalizing-church-sanctuary/65-617ea348-35fb-4d10-bbb8-dafa436b95a7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/calvert-county-man-charged-with-burglary-after-vandalizing-church-sanctuary/65-617ea348-35fb-4d10-bbb8-dafa436b95a7 |
Youngkin is launching a task force to find better solutions after dozens of foster children in Virginia had to sleep in unsuitable conditions.
Author: Associated Press, Deirdre Byrne
RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) says over 150 children in foster care in Virginia spent at least one night in “unsuitable sleeping arrangements” over a six-month period last year.
In a news release, the governor announced that, with the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month happening in April, he was launching a task force — called "Safe and Sound Task Force" — that will study safe housing placements for children in foster care.
According to the news release, from Feb. 1, 2021 until July 30, 2021, 161 children in foster care — between the ages of 7 through 17 — slept in poor conditions due to a shortage of foster homes, family placements and available beds in group homes and treatment centers. That number represents about 3% of approximately 5,300 children a Youngkin spokeswoman says were in foster care during that time frame.
Law enforcement personnel and social workers, already experiencing staffing shortages, have had to stay overnight with the children to address this issue.
"This greatly exacerbates the existing workforce shortages in the child welfare and criminal justice systems," the news release says.
The governor's task force aims to end the practice of children sleeping in local social services departments, hotels and emergency rooms.
"When this challenge came to our attention, my administration knew we had to act swiftly to ensure that every child has a safe place to belong," Youngkin said in a statement. “Beyond the immediate need, we hope Virginians from all walks of life will step up to help children in foster care."
Janey Kelly, who serves as the senior advisor to the governor, will join the task force as its special advisor for children’s issues. She will be tasked with working with local government agencies, hospitals, residential facilities and community partners to find solutions "to this crisis," the news release says.
Yes, if you had a child in 2021, you could get more money on your taxes this year
Virginia mother of 5 posted on social media that her family needed help. The community stepped up | Get Uplifted | 2022-04-03T00:56:26Z | www.wusa9.com | Youngkin: Some foster kids slept in offices, emergency rooms | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/youngkin-says-some-foster-kids-have-slept-in-offices-emergency-rooms/65-e99ee3d8-7dc8-4846-9e2b-e0aa12c57121 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/youngkin-says-some-foster-kids-have-slept-in-offices-emergency-rooms/65-e99ee3d8-7dc8-4846-9e2b-e0aa12c57121 |
WASHINGTON — The driver of a van is dead and a passenger is critically injured after a van collided with a Metrobus early Sunday morning, DC Fire and EMS reported.
The incident happened just before 1:30 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and Highview Place SE in Southeast D.C. According to DC Fire, a van collided with a Metrobus on the A8 route.
Two people inside the van suffered life-threatening injuries and DC Fire called for additional EMS units as entrapment was reported.
The driver of the van succumbed to his injuries and his passenger, a child, was taken to the hospital and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
The roadway was closed for a time while a HAZMAT unit was attending a fuel spill. The incident remains under investigation by MPD. | 2022-04-03T13:09:33Z | www.wusa9.com | Serious crash between van, Metrobus injures 7 in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/life-threatening-injuries-entrapment-reported-after-van-metrobus-collide-southeast-dc/65-d9bec32e-a141-4c44-b509-3c75c53f407d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/life-threatening-injuries-entrapment-reported-after-van-metrobus-collide-southeast-dc/65-d9bec32e-a141-4c44-b509-3c75c53f407d |
Police were called to the area of Suitland Road at Silver Hill Road Sunday morning around 5:30 a.m. for a welfare check when they found a man with gunshot wounds.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Police say a man died Sunday morning in Prince George's County after he was found with gunshot wounds.
Prince George's County Police tweeted that the incident is being investigated as a homicide.
At 5:30 a.m., officers were called to the area of Suitland Road at Silver Hill Road for a welfare check. When they arrived on scene they found a man who had gunshot wounds on his body.
First responders brought the man to a nearby hospital and a few hours later he was pronounced dead.
Police say they are working on finding a suspect in connection with the shooting and a motive.
They ask anyone with information to call the Prince Geoge's County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477.
Man found guilty of 2014 murder tried to send letter with information on where witnesses lived | 2022-04-03T23:41:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Man fatally shot in vehicle Sunday morning, PGPD says | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/police-investigate-homicide-in-prince-georges-county-sunday/65-67be9931-dc04-4371-9d27-363e77358bb3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/police-investigate-homicide-in-prince-georges-county-sunday/65-67be9931-dc04-4371-9d27-363e77358bb3 |
Susanna Sullivan became the first local resident to be crowned champion since 1983.
WASHINGTON — The last two years have been tough, with many events canceled because of the pandemic. But now many of those events are returning, including the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.
Sunday's race included something that hasn't happened in nearly four decades.
Susanna Sullivan crossed the finish line first for the women with a time of 52:32 in the 10-mile race. According to race organizers, Sullivan is the first local resident to be named a champion in the race since 1983.
Sullivan is a fifth grade teacher from Reston, Virginia. She beat her personal best time by almost two minutes.
Sullivan wasn't the only winner on Sunday. The race is also a fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network hospitals and the runners helped raise $323,000! | 2022-04-04T11:02:53Z | www.wusa9.com | Local woman wins Cherry Blossom run for the first time since 1983 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/woman-makes-history-in-cherry-blossom-10-mile-run/65-bc775229-05fb-48cd-906e-c1e5face41ec | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/woman-makes-history-in-cherry-blossom-10-mile-run/65-bc775229-05fb-48cd-906e-c1e5face41ec |
Isaiah Murray was last seen Sunday night in Southeast DC.
WASHINGTON — A 7-year-old boy is missing and Metropolitan Police Department officers are asking for the public's help to find him.
According to police, Isaiah Murray was last seen in the 600 block of 53rd Street Southeast around 10 p.m. Police have not offered more information about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The boy is described as about 4 feet tall and 58 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a beige shirt, blue pants and yellow, black and white sneakers.
Anyone who may know where Murray is should call police at 202-727-9099 or MPD's Youth and Family Services Division at 202-576-6768.
RELATED: New York girl missing since 2019 found hidden under staircase
RELATED: Heartbroken dad cries for kids 2 years after disappearance
Police: 2 teens missing from Prince George's County for more than a week | 2022-04-04T12:40:34Z | www.wusa9.com | DC police search for missing child | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-7-year-old-dc-police-investigating/65-10b0d18f-49c0-409b-9b30-2488ad7000db | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-7-year-old-dc-police-investigating/65-10b0d18f-49c0-409b-9b30-2488ad7000db |
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired on Oct. 25, 2021.
The Grand Jury of Montgomery County declined to indict four officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old in July 2021. After a months-long investigation, and a two-week review of evidence by the grand jury, it was determined that the officers' actions were "legally justifiable" and no criminal charges would be brought. | 2022-04-04T22:11:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Montgomery County officers not charged in 21-year-old's death | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/officers-cleared-ryan-leroux-shot-killed-montgomery-county-police-mcdonalds-parking-lot-gaithersburg/65-e66169fe-c324-4907-b177-e5cf8ba2bbf3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/officers-cleared-ryan-leroux-shot-killed-montgomery-county-police-mcdonalds-parking-lot-gaithersburg/65-e66169fe-c324-4907-b177-e5cf8ba2bbf3 |
Police ask for public's help solving death of 19-year-old
When officers arrived, they found Keon Jones who had been shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Police are asking for the public's help finding a suspect connected to a shooting that left a 19-year-old man dead in February.
According to a release from the Montgomery County Department of Police, the shooting happened just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of Cinnamon Drive and Mustard Seed Court in Germantown.
When officers arrived, they found Keon Jones suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
Investigators believe Jones was walking to his house when an unknown suspect approached him in a car before shooting him.
Police say the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information should call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the homicide suspect(s). Callers can remain anonymous.
Fight leads to deadly stabbing in Montgomery County, police say
Arrest made in stabbing death of Lakeforest Mall employee
Police: Employee stabbed to death in food court at Lakeforest Mall
Prince George's County fire forces 2 adults, 3 kids out of home | 2022-04-04T23:45:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Police seek help finding suspect in death of Gaithersburg man | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-publics-help-solving-death-19-year-old/65-046795ba-6c42-43f2-b29c-7707e542abbe | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-publics-help-solving-death-19-year-old/65-046795ba-6c42-43f2-b29c-7707e542abbe |
The proposal would also cap the annual adjustment to the gas tax at no more than two percent per year.
VIRGINIA, USA — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin sent legislation to the General Assembly to propose suspending the commonwealth's gas tax for three months this summer.
According to a release from the office of the governor of Virginia, the legislation will be introduced by Delegate Tara Durant (R-Stafford) and Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg).
Youngkin's proposal would suspend the Motor Vehicle Fuels tax for May, June and July before slowly phasing it back in slowly in August and September. The state tax is currently 26.2 cents per gallon for gasoline and 27 cents for diesel.
“Virginians need tax relief and it’s time for the General Assembly to act on the multiple tax relief proposals. With gas prices and inflation squeezing families’ pocketbooks across Virginia and the nation and with over $1 billion in unanticipated revenue in our transportation fund, the general assembly must act now,” said Youngkin. "Virginia should join numerous other states, led by both Republicans and Democrats, in temporarily suspending the gas tax. Actions speak louder than words, we can lower gas prices now for all Virginians."
The money from Virginia's gas tax is deposited in the Commonwealth Transportation Fund along with a portion of the state's sales and use tax. That fund pays for the maintenance and construction for all modes of transportation.
WATCH NEXT: Why are US gas prices skyrocketing?
We found the price of oil isn't set here in the U.S. it's set at the global level. | 2022-04-05T02:52:20Z | www.wusa9.com | Youngkin sends legislation to suspend Virginia gas tax | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/gov-youngkin-legislation-general-assembly-suspend-virginia-gas-tax-3-months/65-79be6452-79e4-4a67-a0ac-d2e32b6e2d8a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/gov-youngkin-legislation-general-assembly-suspend-virginia-gas-tax-3-months/65-79be6452-79e4-4a67-a0ac-d2e32b6e2d8a |
No injuries or deaths occurred, but several downed trees were reported as a result of the EF0 tornado. according to the National Weather Service.
CENTREVILLE, Va. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired April 1, when the National Weather Service confirmed a separate tornado in Tysons Corner.
The National Weather Service confirmed a second tornado hit Virginia during Thursday's severe storms. An EF0 tornado was spotted in Centreville, Virginia on March 31, around 8:21 p.m. No injuries or deaths occurred, but several downed trees were reported as a result of the winds.
The tornado traveled 80 yards, near Cub Run Elementary School. Max winds reached 85 mph and the path width was 30 yards. This tornado was an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The NWS found approximately 15 pine trees were toppled or uprooted at the end of Batavia Drive.
On Friday, NWS confirmed that an EF0 tornado hit in Tysons Corner around 8:41 p.m. traveling 200 yards with max winds of 85 mph. A Sunoco gas station on Chain Bridge Road took quite a big hit from the storm. In terms of structural damage, the roof was tilted down on top of the building, and workers described hiding under the counter until it was safe to come out.
RELATED: Tornado confirmed in Fairfax County, near Tysons Corner Mall
An additional EF0 tornado was confirmed in Centreville from Thursday March 31st. pic.twitter.com/vWUrooZqF7
How Common Are Tornados in the DMV?
While tornados in the District itself and neighboring suburbs are rare, anecdotally it feels like we've been hearing more about tornado warnings as of late. In early July 2021, two tornadoes touched down in the D.C. metro region, according to the NWS. An EF0 tornado hit in D.C. while an EF1 touched down in Arlington. Max winds reached 80-90 mph, and thankfully no one was injured during either twister.
The July 1 tornado was only the sixth time in 17 years that a tornado warning including the District proper was issued, according to records kept by Iowa State University. From 2005 - 2021, 436 tornado warnings were issued across the DMV, but only six included the District itself.
According to data from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center and the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, only three tornadoes above an F0 magnitude have touched down inside the boundaries of Washington, D.C., in the past 50 years – and two of them happened on the same day in 2001.
RELATED: How common are tornadoes in the DMV?
On Sept. 24, 2001, three tornadoes touched ground in D.C. – marking the single most active day of tornadic activity in at least half a century. On that day, an F0, F1 and an F3 tornado hit the District proper, resulting in 57 injuries and two deaths.
Nine tornadoes touched down in the DMV as a whole that day, including an F4 that traveled for 10 miles through Culpeper and Fauquier counties. The damage total of the entire outbreak was estimated at more than $100 million.
What Does NWS Look For To Determine a Tornado?
First, the funnel cloud must have contact with the ground for it to be officially declared a tornado. Trained professionals are also looking for debris to be flying around the bottom of the funnel cloud.
Tornadic winds also leave a pattern of damage, because it's a rotating column of air. As it moves through, it does not produce wind speeds or wind direction evenly as it rolls across a neighborhood. So instead of trees falling in the same direction, they fall in opposite directions. Thus, what's referred to as "circular damage" is a telltale sign of a tornado.
How to Prepare For a Tornado
Have a way to get weather information. Click here to download the WUSA9 App. Be sure you enable location and notification services so we can let you know if there is significant weather in your area. Bring in any outdoor decorations you have up, bring in or tie down your patio furniture, and secure your trash cans to prepare for the winds.
If a tornado warning has been issued for your area, you should take cover immediately. The general rule for tornado safety is go low and stay low, which means go to the lowest level of whatever building you are in, away from windows and crouch in a low position with your head covered.
RELATED: How to prepare for damaging winds, severe storms | 2022-04-05T15:47:40Z | www.wusa9.com | Tornado confirmed in Centreville Virginia | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/weather/tornado-centreville-virgina-national-weather-service/65-31444d83-f861-41bd-b55d-e81c4ae25fb8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/weather/tornado-centreville-virgina-national-weather-service/65-31444d83-f861-41bd-b55d-e81c4ae25fb8 |
A two-part text message claiming Homeland Security is warning people about a vaccination survey and to top off gas tanks and keep cash on hand, is false.
Author: Cheryl Mercedes (KHOU), VERIFY Staff
HOUSTON — A text message going around is making some big claims, including that the Department of Homeland Security is urging everyone to load up on gas and cash because of the war in Ukraine.
The text message makes two claims: That cellphones are being sent a vaccine survey that steals your banking information, and that homeland security is telling people to make emergency preparations due to the war in Ukraine.
The text message reads:
Cellphones are being hacked!
You get called and get asked if you’ve been vaccinated or not. Then you’re told to press 1 or 2 as an answer and boom all of your banking information is accessed.
Also, homeland security says because of what’s going on with Ukraine, keep your fuel topped off and store up some cash in case ATMs get hacked and credit card systems are unavailable. Please pass it on!
Several people emailed the VERIFY team to find out if that text message is real.
Did the Department of Homeland Security send a text saying cellphones are being hacked, and that you should fuel your car and get money from the ATM due to the war in Ukraine?
Department of State Health Services
Houston Office of Emergency Preparedness
Harris County Public Health
Houston Public Health
No, the Department of Homeland Security did not send a text message saying cellphones are being hacked, and that you should fuel your car and get money from an ATM.
No, the text message isn’t from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS.) The KHOU VERIFY team reached out to several state and county health departments in Texas as well as the DHS and Texas Department of Public Safety, all of which say the message isn’t coming from their offices.
As for the first claim made in the text, when someone gets a vaccine in Texas, that information is entered into ImmTrac2, the state’s immunization registry. From time to time, state and local agencies do conduct surveys. But the one mentioned in the text message is not one of them.
The DSHS told the VERIFY team, “It isn’t one of the surveys being conducted by a DSHS contractor.”
So, if you get a call prompting you to submit your vaccination status, it is not from DSHS.
KHOU's VERIFY team checked with Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Departments. They both said the calls are not coming from their departments, either.
Now to the part of the claim that Homeland Security is urging people to gas up and keep cash handy because of what is happening in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told the VERIFY team, “The Department of Homeland Security did not send this text message alert.”
We checked with the Texas Department of Public Safety. They responded, “DPS did not post this information.”
We also asked the Houston Office of Emergency Management. The Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security said the message did not come from his department either.
So we can VERIFY that the claims being made in the text message are false.
If you get a text message that you are unsure of, it is best not to share it until you check to see if it’s true. | 2022-04-05T23:36:52Z | www.wusa9.com | Homeland security fuel text about Ukraine: No, it's not real | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/homeland-security-text-ukraine-scam-gas-fuel-real-no-verify/536-cc6f4e1a-2aec-4121-9d1c-96dbdbaddab9 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/homeland-security-text-ukraine-scam-gas-fuel-real-no-verify/536-cc6f4e1a-2aec-4121-9d1c-96dbdbaddab9 |
The crash occurred along the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in SE Washington, D.C. early Sunday morning and killed 47-year-old Demetrius Fultz.
WASHINGTON — To his family members, 47-year-old Demetrius Fultz was a jokester who loved making others laugh. He often worked long hours and cared deeply about his career as a project manager. He was known as "Tony," and was a proud father and husband.
Last Sunday, however, his life was tragically cut short after he was involved in a fatal crash with a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) bus.
Fultz's 10-year-old son was also inside the cargo van that crashed. As of Tuesday night, the boy was still receiving treatment for critical injuries he suffered.
Now, his family is praying they don't have to experience another painful loss just days apart.
The crash occurred along the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in SE Washington, D.C. early Sunday morning.
According to investigators, Fultz was driving when the van drifted over to the other side of the road and hit a WMATA bus head-on.
Emergency crews pronounced Fultz dead while his son was rushed to a children's hospital in critical condition.
On Tuesday, Fultz's heartbroken family spoke to WUSA9 about the crash and the pain they are dealing with.
Dematria Fultz, Demetrius's wife, said she knew something was wrong on Sunday morning when she looked outside her window and saw emergency crews nearby.
"We were coming from a memorial service for my cousin that had passed away 15 years ago," she said. "When I got home I was trying to call my husband and he didn’t pick up his phone.”
Fultz said she was informed that her son was taken to a nearby children's hospital to be treated for brain fractures and a cracked skull.
Two days after the crash, she said the loss of her husband made life tough to bear.
"He really wanted us and my children to be whole and do the right thing through God," Fultz said. "My husband had a genuine heart. He was a loving man and he’s going to be so missed by so many people.”
Aside from the deep pain of losing Demetrius, other family members described their prayers for the 10-year-old to make a recovery.
Preston Fultz, Demetrius's brother, remembered back when he would convince the boy to go to football practice after he spoke of wanting to stop playing. With the boy now in the hospital, Fultz said he wished for him to come home.
"I know he’s critical and I’m praying for him that he’ll pull through. I need him to pull through," he said, through tears. "I need him to pull through.”
The Fultz family knows the pain of losing a loved one sadly all too well. Years after losing her other brother, Eric, Demetrius's sister, Tamika, hoped Demetrius could now join him in Heaven.
"[Demetrius's] presence gave us this comfort and now he’s not here to give us that comfort," she said. "I try to take comfort in knowing that he is with Eric.”
As of Tuesday evening, a GoFundMe effort to raise money for the Fultz family had raised over $2,600. | 2022-04-06T01:18:15Z | www.wusa9.com | Family of fatal crash victim prays for 10-year-old injured | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/crash-dc-wmata-bus-demetrius-fultz/65-e7315535-c595-4745-ae5d-97ea5d55ee1a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/crash-dc-wmata-bus-demetrius-fultz/65-e7315535-c595-4745-ae5d-97ea5d55ee1a |
Cloudy but dry for the rest of the day before rain returns Thursday
University of Maryland welcomes Afghan refugees to campus
The university will help provide the temporary housing in a new partnership with the nonprofit International Rescue Committee (IRC).
MARYLAND, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from November 2021 about Homes Not Borders.
A new partnership between the University of Maryland and the nonprofit International Rescue Committee (IRC) is bringing housing to refugee families in need.
Afghan refugees are being welcomed to campus after facing the risk of persecution and violence in Afghanistan due to their work alongside U.S. personnel in jobs such as translators, drivers and cultural advisers, according to the university.
The university plans to provide temporary housing starting over the next few weeks for several families who consist of two adults and children ranging from infants to teenagers. The families will be in their new homes for up to 12 months.
“We look forward to providing on-campus housing and being good neighbors to Afghan families. They are U.S. allies who have braved a terrifying situation, and we are happy that we can offer them a welcoming community as they seek permanent housing,” the university said in a statement.
RELATED: U.S. Ukraine Foundation raises money to get medical supplies to the front lines - Here's how you can help
RELATED: Northern Virginia residents can drop off clothes, coats for Ukraine refugees at these 34 locations
The approach to resettlement is first-of-its-kind for a public university.
While other universities have partnered with the IRC and other agencies to place refugee students on their campuses, this is IRC’s first placement of Afghan families on a college campus.
Higher education institutions have previously used nearby school-owned homes for refugees, but this is the first time a public university has used its own campus facilities for such a purpose.
“The University of Maryland is part of a global community, and when we have the opportunity to support humanity, we embrace it,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines in a statement. | 2022-04-06T13:24:48Z | www.wusa9.com | University of Maryland offers temp housing to Afghan refugees | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/university-of-maryland-welcomes-afghan-refugees-to-college-campus/65-5b0400eb-a0eb-49f8-bfe9-483a693f116e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/university-of-maryland-welcomes-afghan-refugees-to-college-campus/65-5b0400eb-a0eb-49f8-bfe9-483a693f116e |
The child was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Editor's note: The above video is from January 19, 2022.
A child is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after they were struck by a car Wednesday morning.
Montgomery County Police Department officers were called to the area of Grosvenor Place and King Charles Way for a report of a pedestrian struck. Lauren Ivey, Public Information Officer with the police department, confirmed a child was hit, but did not say how old the child was.
Some lanes were blocked in the area while authorities conduct an investigation.
It is not clear whether the driver of the striking vehicle stayed on the scene of the crash or what led to the collision.
RELATED: 9-year-old believed to be paralyzed from the neck down after being struck by car in Southeast DC, mother says
RELATED: Father says car failed to stop at stop sign before hitting him and daughter on bike | 2022-04-06T15:31:51Z | www.wusa9.com | Child struck by car in Bethesda, police say | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/child-struck-by-car-in-montgomery-county-police-say/65-e979df04-4827-4a77-82ba-3fe7ac226569 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/child-struck-by-car-in-montgomery-county-police-say/65-e979df04-4827-4a77-82ba-3fe7ac226569 |
Hogan commits $216 million for cancer research, including new facility in Prince George's County
The Prince George's County Comprehensive Cancer Center will be built of the campus of the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo.
MARYLAND, USA — Gov. Larry Hogan announced that the state is investing $216 million into researching cancer cures and treatments as part of a new Maryland Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
The state is also committed to helping fund a comprehensive cancer center in Prince George's County, expected to break ground on Thursday.
Hogan, a cancer survivor, himself — who battled stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during his first term as governor — noted in a statement that the disease touches nearly everyone.
"On the day I found out I was cancer-free, I pledged that as long as I am governor and long after, I will stand with all those who are fighting this terrible disease," Hogan said in a statement. "This is a watershed moment in the fight against cancer in our state and the region."
According to the governor, the Maryland Cancer Moonshot will "dramatically accelerate [the state's] efforts to detect, prevent, treat, and find a cure for cancer, so that more lives can be saved." The initiative will make it easier to expand early detective of cancer as well as screenings, patient education. It will also provide advanced services for inpatient and outpatient care.
Funding for Prince George's County Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Prince George's County Comprehensive Cancer Center is a $67 million investment — the governor has committed $27 million, the state senate will fund $27 million and the House of Delegates will fund $26.7 million. The new center will be built on the campus of the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo to serve the residents of Prince George's County.
Nathaniel Richardson Jr., the president and CEO of the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, said in a statement that the organization has long planned a cancer center in Prince George's County, so he is thankful to receive funding from the state.
"A dedicated, comprehensive regional cancer center in Prince George’s County will provide access to care within a county that has long been challenged with a high incidence of cancer among African Americans," he said in a statement. "This funding is essential in our efforts to combat disease and it will dramatically improve the quality of life for many residents who will no longer have to travel to another jurisdiction to receive high-quality care."
Expanding the Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore
The Maryland Cancer Moonshot initiative will provide $100 million in funding to expand the Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore with "state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient cancer services." The center serves 3,000 new patients annually.
Dr. Mohan Suntha, the president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, said in a statement the funding "will have a dramatic and unquestioned positive impact on ... [the] treat[ment of] cancer patients in the years and decades to come."
Suntha noted the state's partnership with Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore has propelled UMMS's ability to provide more of an impact to patients through its "cutting edge clinical care, clinical trials and innovation."
Here's how the rest of the Maryland Moonshot funding will be used
According to the American Cancer Society, by 2022 there will be 35,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2022 with 11,000 cancer-related deaths. Currently, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Maryland.
Here's how the rest of the funding for the Maryland Cancer Moonshot Initiative will be used:
$25 million will accelerate cancer research projects at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University;
$1 million will expand pediatric cancer research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine;
$20.5 million will go to the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund to "catalyze investment in regenerative medicine projects to develop novel cures and groundbreaking treatments for prevalent cancers"; and
$2.5 million will expand the workforce for life sciences and biotechnology in the BioHub Maryland Initiative and focus on talent development and outreach to students in underserved communities.
These initiatives are included in Hogan's Fiscal Year 2023 budget as well as his fifth supplemental budget.
Scope it Out 5K raises money to fight a cancer on the rise | 2022-04-06T19:30:29Z | www.wusa9.com | Gov. Hogan announces $216 million funding for cancer research | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/hogan-commits-funding-for-cancer-research-including-new-facility-in-prince-georges-county/65-ff4536f1-bb42-467d-819a-0b8cfb05a3de | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/hogan-commits-funding-for-cancer-research-including-new-facility-in-prince-georges-county/65-ff4536f1-bb42-467d-819a-0b8cfb05a3de |
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden said it was "plausible" that police allowed Matthew Martin into the U.S. Capitol Building.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge acquitted a New Mexico man Wednesday of all charges stemming from his involvement in the Capitol riot.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden presided over a two-day bench trial for Matthew Martin, a Santa Fe resident and federal contractor charged with four misdemeanor counts in connection with Jan. 6.
Prosecutors told McFadden Martin entered the Capitol through the Rotunda doors after learning it had been breached by a pro-Trump mob. Martin even texted his supervisor that he was “in the hotel when I got word the capital [sic] was breached.”
While inside the building, prosecutors said, he watched other rioters fight with police and filmed broken windows and blaring alarms.
Prosecutors said Martin was inside the building for approximately 10 minutes. Afterward, in response to his supervisor telling him, “You can’t overrun the capitol building,” Martin allegedly responded, “Actually you can, rather easily I might add. Not as much security as you think. Our numbers were freaking huge. They were not prepared.”
McFadden said Wednesday he thought it was more likely than not that Martin knew he was not allowed to enter the Capitol, but thought prosecutors had not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that officers hadn’t allowed him and other rioters to enter, as Martin’s defense attorney Dan Cron claimed.
Martin is the first Capitol riot defendant to be acquitted of all charges against him at trial. McFadden, who was appointed to the federal bench in 2017 by former President Donald Trump, convicted another Santa Fe resident, Couy Griffin, last month of one count of entering and remaining in a restricted area but found him not guilty of disorderly conduct. McFadden ruled the government had proved Griffin knowingly entered a restricted area because he’d heard the Capitol had been breached prior to walking there – even though he, unlike Martin, never entered the building.
Also last month, a jury convicted the first Capitol riot defendant to go to trial, Guy Reffitt, of five felony counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding. Reffitt was set to be sentenced on June 8. | 2022-04-06T19:30:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Judge acquits Santa Fe man on all counts in Capitol riot case | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/judge-acquits-santa-fe-man-on-all-charges-in-capitol-riot-case-matthew-martin-trevor-mcfadden-new-mexico/65-7a2ed10c-71b1-4814-9b1d-f497537e4541 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/judge-acquits-santa-fe-man-on-all-charges-in-capitol-riot-case-matthew-martin-trevor-mcfadden-new-mexico/65-7a2ed10c-71b1-4814-9b1d-f497537e4541 |
The officers initially faced charges after a street racing incident that left two D.C. Police patrol cars totaled in 2021.
WASHINGTON — (Editor's Note: the video above is from May, 2021)
A second DC Police officer has taken a plea deal after both were charged for drag racing patrol cars last year.
Humias Khan and Jerrita Millington were charged with one count of reckless driving and two counts of aggravated reckless driving, according to charging documents provided to WUSA9.
Khan took a plea deal that requires him to pay a total of $350; a $100 fine for reckless driving and $250 for the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act. MPD says Khan is no longer with the department.
Millington previously took an identical plea deal in September 2021, and according to MPD is currently on "non-contact status."
The accident that landed them both with criminal charges happened in the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue on April 22, 2021, when two police cruisers were traveling at high speeds and one of the two cruisers cut off the other as both DC Police vehicles turned onto Polk Street, police said.
An investigation into the incident revealed that Millington and Khan were racing in their cars when two of the vehicles belonging to DC Police were involved in the accident. Four members of D.C.'s Sixth District Police Department were taken to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
RELATED: Police: Probationary officer fired in connection with drag race that totaled patrol cars
"Obviously those types of things are unacceptable, they're embarrassing [and] it's not something we tolerate," Police Chief Robert Contee said at a news conference after the incident occurred in 2021. "And it's something that I don't tolerate as the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department."
RELATED: DC Police: Two of its officers face criminal charges after an April drag race crash | 2022-04-06T21:18:48Z | www.wusa9.com | 2 DC police officers fined for drag racing after guilty plea | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-officers-drag-racing-takes-plea-deal-police-cruisers-destroyed/65-4e70deb9-e9cb-4b3d-9ae5-75994ae1abeb | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-officers-drag-racing-takes-plea-deal-police-cruisers-destroyed/65-4e70deb9-e9cb-4b3d-9ae5-75994ae1abeb |
Bryant Webster pled guilty to sexually assaulting three men during a series of home invasions over a 50-day period in 2016.
WASHINGTON — A 38-year-old Maryland man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assault charges stemming from a series of home invasions in 2016 has been sentenced to 39 years in prison.
Bryant Webster, of Suitland, pleaded guilty in July 2019 to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse while armed and one count of second-degree sexual abuse. The plea called for a sentence of 32-39 years. Judge Marisa Demeo handed down the max sentence.
According to prosecutors, Webster broke into three different Capitol Hill homes and sexually assaulted or raped three men in their homes between mid-August and Oct. 1 in 2016. In the first assault, Webster photographed himself assaulting a man who was unconscious. Two weeks later, a man woke up to find Webster in his home pointing a gun with a red laser sight at him. Prosecutors said Webster tied the man's hands and feet, gagged him and raped him repeatedly.
During the third assault, on Oct. 1, 2016, the man assaulted was able to alert his roommate who came home during the rape, which caused a struggle and allowed the victim to escape and call 911. DC Police arrested Webster at the house, and he has been in police custody since. Police said a backpack filled with knives, gloves, screwdrivers, duct tape, a hammer, binoculars, and condoms was found at the house.
Building community wealth through estate planning | 2022-04-06T23:06:01Z | www.wusa9.com | Sentencing of man who pled guilty to sexually assaulting 3 men | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/legal/sentencing-sexual-assaults-home-invasions-2016-bryant-webster/65-b1f1333a-33af-4e8e-afa3-53c101cb6f4c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/legal/sentencing-sexual-assaults-home-invasions-2016-bryant-webster/65-b1f1333a-33af-4e8e-afa3-53c101cb6f4c |
A meeting with Johnson 44 years ago, got Velma Wiggins and her family into housing and she says she's eternally grateful.
WASHINGTON — As tributes poured in on social media for our beloved Bruce Johnson, one woman’s story stood out. Velma Wiggins is a D.C. native and posted on Facebook how one encounter with Johnson, 44 years ago, changed the course of her family’s life.
The year was 1978 -- two years after Johnson arrived to WUSA9 -- and the young reporter was already making a name for himself in D.C. That’s when he met Wiggins, a young mother of three staying at the Days Inn on New York Avenue. Wiggins, her children, aunt and grandmother were all experiencing homelessness.
WUSA9 had the chance to talk with Wiggins at her home Wednesday to better understand the impact that meeting had on her entire family.
“He was ready to go for it and help me to find a place,” she said. "He wasn’t there to do a story, he was there to help and when he came in, he was this amazing, debonair, compassionate man. Talking to him you could see the compassion in his eyes, you could see the amazement in his eyes, of the story that was being told to him. He was a real person.”
So real, in fact, Wiggins said when her then 6-month-old baby started to fuss, Bruce didn’t waste time before he began comforting the little girl.
“He played with her and gently rocked her, and she gently fell asleep in his arms and I was so amazed,” Wiggins said. “I was like ‘this man got it!' He really, really, got it!"
What Johnson had for certain was the IT factor -- insight and compassion. He understood the assignment, as the kids say. It was never just a story or just an interview, but an opportunity to serve and fulfill his purpose.
“After he left, possibilities started opening up,” Wiggins said of her meeting with Johnson. “I got a call from the housing manager and she said 'we have an apartment for you.' I began to cry again. I was so happy there was room for myself, my children, my grandma and my auntie!”
Wiggins lived in that apartment for the next two decades and the blessings have overflowed as she added five more children and now 23 grandchildren to the family. Just two years ago, Wiggins finally got her high school diploma.
“I said my God if he could only have been in the audience, he would have been cheering me on,” she said with a smile.
Wiggins always made sure her family knew who Johnson was, and the role he had played in their family. During a facetime call Wednesday, Wiggins' daughter, Tameka, said that years ago she posted a comment on Johnson’s Facebook page and thanked him for being instrumental in helping her family.
“He made this world a whole lot better when he was here and I’m going to forever, forever be grateful to this amazing man,” Wiggins said. "When he came down with cancer and told his story about his cancer my daily prayer for him was, ‘Lord please see him through this and bring him out OK.'"
Wiggins said that one meeting changed the course of her family’s future and for that she will be eternally grateful.
“His wife, my heart goes out to her,” Wiggins said. “She didn’t have a gem for a husband -- she had a diamond! Like the Bible said he fought a good fight, he kept the faith and he’s going to get that crown in glory ... He really deserves that crown.”
RELATED: Memorial tributes for a titan of DC broadcasting: Bruce Johnson | 2022-04-07T00:52:17Z | www.wusa9.com | DC woman says Bruce Johnson helped her family out of homelessness | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/legacy-of-bruce-johnson-helping-find-housing/65-2ae72fd7-0428-4cc0-9da1-a8caaa3a6971 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/legacy-of-bruce-johnson-helping-find-housing/65-2ae72fd7-0428-4cc0-9da1-a8caaa3a6971 |
According to court documents obtained by WUSA9, the pair are accused of pretending to be officers or employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since at least February 2020.
Court documents show that Taherzadeh provided members of the United States Secret Service and an employee of DHS with expensive gifts, including rent-free apartments, iPhones, surveillance systems, a drone, a flat-screen television, a case for storing an assault rifle, a generator and law enforcement paraphernalia. He also allegedly offered the use of what he called "official government vehicles," and offered to purchase a $2,000 assault rifle for a United States Secret Service Agent who was assigned to the First Lady's protective details. The four agents who received these gifts have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
WUSA9 has reached out to the Secret Service for comment but at the time of publication has not yet heard back. | 2022-04-07T04:09:56Z | www.wusa9.com | DC men arrested for allegedly posing as federal agents for years | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/men-arrested-dc-allegedly-impersonating-federal-agents-for-at-least-two-years/65-afb8cd82-0caa-44c2-8add-8aefc95cbf0e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/men-arrested-dc-allegedly-impersonating-federal-agents-for-at-least-two-years/65-afb8cd82-0caa-44c2-8add-8aefc95cbf0e |
An incident between Joshua Toure and Joseph Davis occurred back in 2019 over a dispute that turned into a shooting over a marijuana transaction gone wrong.
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Joshua Toure, a 26-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of 28-year-old Joseph Davis.
Judge Robert Greenberg and a jury declared Toure guilty of first-degree felony murder, second-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Toure faces a term of life imprisonment plus an additional 20 years, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The incident between Toure and Davis occurred back in 2019 over a dispute that turned into a shooting over a marijuana transaction gone wrong.
According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the conflict between Toure and Davis took place after Toure robbed and fired six shots at Davis, striking him three times.
“This sort of senseless violence within our neighborhoods is unacceptable. It is a reminder about how dangerous and potentially life-threatening the buying and selling of drugs on the street can be,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
On Dec. 22, 2019, Montgomery County Police responded to the 2000 block of Tree Top Ln. in Silver Spring, MD around 6:24 p.m. after a report of a shooting, according to the statement of charges.
According to the statement, witnesses said Davis was on top of the hood of an SUV while it was being driven. Davis yelled out “stop, stop,” and the suspect was holding a gun as he got out of the car from the passenger seat.
The suspect was described as a tall dark-skinned man with short hair and a very light beard that wore black clothing and a black hat or mask on his head, according to the statement.
Davis was shot and was observed to be in a physical struggle with the suspect, according to the statement.
When police arrived, they found Davis suffering from gunshot wounds.
While in an ambulance, Davis told officers that it was “Son Son,” later identified as Toure, as they were on the way to a local hospital. Davis then told police that “Son Son” lived-in “Bel Pre.” Davis died at the local hospital on Dec. 25, 2019, according to the statement.
Police were later able to identify that “Son Son” was Toure through Instagram. According to the statement Toure used the Instagram account “Sonsonlmg.” After checking the Instagram account, detectives found a video that Toure posted hours before the shooting. The person in the video aligned with the witnesses’ description of Toure.
According to the statement, Toure’s Instagram account appeared to not be active.
Davis’s phone was taken to be analyzed and it was found that he had received a call from a person named “Son Son” on his phone and that text messages were exchanged discussing meeting at 2009 Tree Lane so Davis could purchase CDS.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Toure for attempted first-degree murder since Davis was still alive at the time the warrant was issued, according to the statement.
According to the statement, Police were able to arrest Toure as he was leaving his mother’s apartment on Bel Pre Rd. in Silver Spring, Maryland. At the time of the arrest, Toure was in the passenger seat of a car that was being driven by a man named Elder Joseph.
Police evaluated Joseph’s phone, which was found in the car after they received a search warrant for the car, according to the statement.
A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled for Toure, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. | 2022-04-07T04:10:08Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland man found guilty of 2019 murder | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-found-guilty-2019-murder-incident/65-85473e98-2687-4561-8098-763ebe4bb633 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-found-guilty-2019-murder-incident/65-85473e98-2687-4561-8098-763ebe4bb633 |
The announcement comes in light of possible inclement weather on Thursday. The game was initially supposed to start at 4:05 p.m. against the New York Mets.
WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals announced that they are pushing back the start time of the season's opening game.
The announcement comes in light of possible inclement weather on Thursday. The game against the New York Mets was initially supposed to start at 4:05 p.m. The game will now start at 7:05 p.m.
All of the tickets and parking passes for the original game time will be honored for the new start time for the game, according to the Washington Nationals.
There will be some traffic and parking restrictions for the game. The Metropolitan Police Department announced that there will be parking restrictions for every home game.
Traffic closures will impact games up to 45 minutes after each home game, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. However, parking restrictions and road closures are subject to change depending on circumstances.
Although the anticipated inclement weather impacted the start time of the game, temperatures will be lower for those who plan on attending the game. For more information on the weather for the opening game on Thursday click here.
RELATED: Navy Yard bar says DDOT wants its streetery taken down during Nats games | 2022-04-07T04:10:14Z | www.wusa9.com | Nationals game delayed start time due to incliment weather | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/nationals-opening-game-start-pushed-back-due-to-weather/65-eaeb17ff-5f57-453a-9b90-e5d0c049fd84 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/nationals-opening-game-start-pushed-back-due-to-weather/65-eaeb17ff-5f57-453a-9b90-e5d0c049fd84 |
With a shortened season in 2020, and no fans in the stands in 2021, baseball hasn't been the same since the Nats won the World Series.
WASHINGTON — Baseball is back! A lot has changed since the Nationals were crowned World Series champions in 2019, but one thing remains the same: The excitement surrounding Opening Day.
Despite a delayed start, the players say they are ready to take the field against the Mets to open the 2022 Major League Baseball season at Nationals Park.
There are reminders throughout the ballpark of the Nats' world champion status, and since they took home the title, baseball hasn't been the same. The 2020 season was shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, and no fans were in the stands in 2021.
That's why some of the players believe they are still defending champs.
"Definitely," Juan Soto said with a laugh. "2020 season was just... ehh."
Sean Doolittle agrees.
"'19 was the last year everything was normal so to speak, and we're really proud of what we did winning four games in the World Series on the road, so a little bit," Doolittle said.
Of course, a big part of that World Series team was pitcher Max Scherzer. He is now with the opposing New York Mets and is expected to start for the Mets in the game on Friday.
RELATED: Reports: Max Scherzer, Mets finalizing record-breaking deal
The Nationals' Opening Day starter Patrick Corbin was on the 2019 team with Scherzer and joked in the clubhouse that he wishes he could face off against him on opening day.
RELATED: Nationals game delayed due to inclement weather | 2022-04-07T08:52:06Z | www.wusa9.com | Nats ready to 'defend' World Series title in 2022 season | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/locked-on/mlb-podcast/nationals-show/nationals-mlb-opening-day-preview-vs-new-york-mets/65-a99bc25a-d816-4272-8925-adb866df56f9 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/locked-on/mlb-podcast/nationals-show/nationals-mlb-opening-day-preview-vs-new-york-mets/65-a99bc25a-d816-4272-8925-adb866df56f9 |
It's the first in-person Opening Day since the season the Nationals won the World Series.
WASHINGTON — Rain drops poured over the shipping containers that box in the Bullpen in Navy Yard. Inside the open-air bar, crews worked feverishly to fix barstools, picnic tables, and set up tents.
“It's always a mad sprint at the end,” Bullpen general manager Kevin Banks laughed.
Baseball is almost back. Since 2009, the Bullpen has corralled Nationals fans before and after the games.
“It's two-and-a-half, three years since we've had like a real Opening Day,” Banks mused. “We never got that follow-up after the World Series.”
Banks has been the man in charge of weathering the pandemic storm.
“There are variables you can't control, you're going to have to roll, you're going to have to ebb and flow and be a little fluid with what you're doing,” Banks said. “To make sure that you're able to survive.”
Kevin Banks, General Manager of The Bullpen
Head up the right outside the park and you’ll get a similar sentiment on the pandemic from Walter’s Sports Bar’s owner Jeremy Gifford. Except he is a little more blunt.
“I came to work every single day just doing everything I could to lose the least amount of money,” he said.
Walter’s Sports Bar’s owner Jeremy Gifford
Walters opened in the middle of 2019. Gifford said it’s lucky it turned out to be the Nationals’ championship season.
“With the pandemic, the World Series provided us the capital to be able to get through a pretty rough time,” he said.
The pandemic has been brutal for businesses all over the country. But the loss of normal baseball hits the businesses outside the park even harder.
“That's a huge piece of your year where you're getting 2.6 to 3 million people coming to the neighborhood,” Michael Stevens head of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District said.
Stevens is like an encyclopedia of the Riverfront district’s economics. By his count the area lost eight businesses during the pandemic. But he’s quick to point out they will have added 20 new businesses by the end of the spring.
Now, with pandemic restrictions easing, combined with the soccer and baseball seasons getting under way it’s a new chapter.
Michael Stevens head of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District
“It's kind of a reawakening of social society and being able to be outside in a fairly safe environment,” Stevens smiled.
When you’re down near the ballpark talking to bars and restaurants, you notice the usual excitement for Opening Day. Then there is something else this year.
“It'll be a lot of like a family reunion,” Gifford said from the bar inside Walter’s.
“There'll be a lot of high fives might be elbow driven. Depending on people's comfort level might be some hugs.”
For the first time in three years, D.C. sports fans will celebrate Opening Day together.
“I kind of feel like baseball coming back was something that was bigger than baseball itself,” Kevin Banks said as he went back to setting up the Bullpen.
“It's getting the country back to the back to normal.”
MLB makes decision on whether opening day will happen on time | 2022-04-07T12:02:24Z | www.wusa9.com | 'Baseball is back!' DC businesses ready for Opening Day | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/businesses-in-navy-yard-excited-about-opening-day-baseball-championships/65-0a54b5f0-0b92-437c-b1e1-ac00c4fb1b61 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/businesses-in-navy-yard-excited-about-opening-day-baseball-championships/65-0a54b5f0-0b92-437c-b1e1-ac00c4fb1b61 |
Experts at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas say Rad Pies in Williamsport, Maryland, is the place to go for pan pizza.
WILLIAMSPORT, Md. — A small pizza shop in Williamsport, Maryland, just took home some major awards from the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
The International Pizza Expo is a yearly event for everything pizza pie. Pizza pros from across the country and the world converged on Vegas in late March to learn, network and have fun.
One of those professionals was Kenneth MacFawn. He's the co-owner of Rad Pies and White Rabbit Gastropub in Williamsport, Maryland.
"Oh man, the Pizza Expo is amazing. I mean it's just the best pizza being handed out at every other booth, and it is literally all things pizza. Manufacturers, pizza ovens, to go containers, POS systems, classes, dough trick competitions, and of course the World Pizza Championship!" MacFawn said.
That's right. The World Pizza Championship. It's the largest pizza-making competition in the U.S. and perhaps the world. Pizzas are judged in four divisions: Traditional, Non-Traditional, Pan and Neapolitan/STG. The pies are judged based on crust, sauce, cheese and toppings, as well as overall taste and creativity. Bake and visual presentation also play a factor in judging.
MacFawn competed in this year's championship and won first place in the Pan Division.
"The pizza we won with is called "In Crust We Trust" and it is a pepperoni crust pizza. Please look it up and come out and have a slice. We are the first in the world to create and make this work of art," MacFawn said.
A post shared by @radpiesmd (@radpiesmd)
MacFawn explained why he believes the pizza took home the top prize. It has to do with the dough.
"We use a high hydration long fermented dough. So although it looks like a thick piece of pizza, it has so much air pockets that it is the lightest and best dough for your stomach to break down," MacFawn said.
Speaking of dough, for winning first place in the Pan division, MacFawn walked away with $4,000 in prize money, which he says was presented to him in the form of a big "Happy Gilmore-style" check. Besides the cash, he also got a trophy and bragging rights.
MacFawn and Rad Pies also placed 5th in the Traditional division, 11th in the Non-Traditional division and 3rd for Italian Sandwich.
Community reaction following the trip to Vegas has been overwhelmingly positive, according to MacFawn.
"We blew peoples minds. Including mine, my mom's, my high school principal, kids, everyone. Everyone has been super supportive and hopefully they see this as bringing something cool back to our home town. This is the first time that Maryland has had a World Champion Pizza," he said.
It's not the first time a pizza from the DMV has emerged victorious at the Pizza Expo, though. Andy's Pizza, with shops in Virginia and D.C., took home the top prize in last year's championship.
RELATED: He used to experiment on pizza in a Bethesda apartment. Now, he's considered one of the world's best pizza makers
For MacFawn, he says the local competition helps him improve.
"I do understand that iron sharpens iron, and tough local competition always raises the bar. In Williamsport, local establishments are fantastic, but we really always want to push ourselves harder than anyone else ever could," MacFawn said.
For those surprised that the best pan pizza in the world comes from Williamsport, his response is simple: "Everything comes from somewhere."
As the winning pizza maker in the 2022 contest, MacFawn can't personally defend his title during the 2023 expo, but says Rad Pies will send a team to Vegas to try to go back-to-back with the best next year.
RELATED: DC has the most pizza places per capita in the country | It's A DC Thing | 2022-04-07T16:41:11Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland's Rad Pies recognized for best pan pizza in the world | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/food/maryland-rad-pies-best-pan-pizza-international-pizza-expo-2022/65-7a99b464-e05f-49ff-8095-899286878181 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/food/maryland-rad-pies-best-pan-pizza-international-pizza-expo-2022/65-7a99b464-e05f-49ff-8095-899286878181 |
BETHESDA, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired on Feb. 12, following a rally in Montgomery County calling for action on pedestrian safety.
A 7-year-old boy died Thursday after he was hit by a car Wednesday morning while waiting for a school bus in Bethesda with his family, according to police. | 2022-04-07T19:45:20Z | www.wusa9.com | Police: Boy dies after struck by car in Bethesda awaiting bus | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/child-death-hit-by-car-waiting-at-bus-stop/65-9fd25843-f5c2-4d34-9a1e-7c6b586d116d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/child-death-hit-by-car-waiting-at-bus-stop/65-9fd25843-f5c2-4d34-9a1e-7c6b586d116d |
Vincent Fisher, 46, who lived at the residence, has been arrested and charged with an assault prior to the fire, as well as first-degree arson and murder.
WALDORF, Md. — A Maryland man has been arrested and charged after a mother and her baby were found dead after a Waldorf house fire on March 31.
Police have charged 46-year-old Vincent Fisher, who lived at the residence, with an assault prior to the fire, as well as first-degree arson and murder.
Initially, officials were dispatched to 3070 Heathcote Road in Waldorf around 10:37 p.m. for reports of an assault and house fire. A total of 46 firefighters responded to the scene.
Once on the scene, responders found a townhome fully engulfed in flames and subsequently, 27-year-old mother Rashawn Cline and her one-year-old daughter, Dashawn Cline, dead.
The victims were the daughter and grandchild of Fisher’s girlfriend who lived at the house, a police investigation revealed.
The circumstances sparked an intense law enforcement investigation, according to Diane Richardson, the spokesperson for the Charles County Sheriff's Department.
"There was some kind of an altercation that took place, almost simultaneously with the fire," Richardson reported.
"Right now we know two things," Richardson said. "One, that there are two people deceased inside of the place, but we don't know if they were deceased prior to the fire or because of the fire. And second, we don't know if the fire was started intentionally or if it was an accident," he specified at the time.
Fisher is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center with no bond. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Bringley at 301-609-6499. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app.
Officials say that the investigation is ongoing.
Waldorf pharmacy raided by DEA after pharmacist, assistant arrested for drug dealing | 2022-04-08T16:16:26Z | www.wusa9.com | Man charged after mother, baby killed in Waldorf house fire | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-waldorf-house-fire-charged-mother-baby-killed/65-156eeede-d738-4048-a423-add8a8bee987 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-waldorf-house-fire-charged-mother-baby-killed/65-156eeede-d738-4048-a423-add8a8bee987 |
Memorial service for legendary WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson is Monday - Here's what his family wants you to know
A celebration of Bruce Johnson's life will be live-streamed Monday starting at 11 a.m. Here's what his family wants you to know.
WASHINGTON — We continue to celebrate and honor the memory of beloved WUSA9 journalist Bruce Johnson, who died on April 3 after a heart attack.
His family has established a tribute page to celebrate their beloved husband, father, friend, mentor and author and the website provides ways to honor the memory of the man who loved to give and help others himself.
On cbrucejohnson.org, visitors can contribute to two organizations that were close to his heart - the Lymphoma Research Foundation and The American Heart Association.
The tribute page also provides a portal where viewers will be able to watch Monday's celebration of life service for Bruce, starting at 11 a.m.
During the service, please share your memories of Bruce on Twitter by using the hashtag #CBJmemorial and tagging the accompanying memorial Twitter page @CBJ_memorial.
The Johnson family is participating in the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association’s Tribute Program as a way to honor Bruce. Bruce had a very personal connection to this cause and the family hopes you will help them continue to support Bruce's commitment to the organization.
Bruce was also affected by lymphoma, having battled and recovered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In his memory, the Johnson family supports the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) - a foundation dedicated to supporting the lymphoma community and helping to ensure a brighter future for all those impacted by this blood cancer.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Lori, three children -- Brandon, Kurshanna and Carolyn -- and four grandchildren.
We are eternally thankful for Johnson’s endless contributions over the years, and he will be deeply missed by his television family, many of whom counted Johnson as one of their closest friends. | 2022-04-08T18:06:08Z | www.wusa9.com | How to watch Bruce Johnson memorial funeral service live | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/people/bruce-johnson/how-to-watch-dc-journalist-bruce-johnson-memorial-service-monday-april-11-donate-causes-memorial-in-memory/65-c689e677-0bab-451b-9151-b83bc993eb5f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/people/bruce-johnson/how-to-watch-dc-journalist-bruce-johnson-memorial-service-monday-april-11-donate-causes-memorial-in-memory/65-c689e677-0bab-451b-9151-b83bc993eb5f |
Normally if you work in one state and live in another you must file two income taxes, but the DMV is a little different.
WASHINGTON — This is a gentle reminder to all you procrastinators out there: Your taxes are almost due.
Most income taxes are due on Monday, April 18.
The DMV has a uniquely fused workforce: you have people living in one state or jurisdiction and working in another.
That presents a lot of questions this time of year.
If you work in D.C., Maryland or Virginia, and live somewhere else in the DMV, where should you file your taxes?
Henry Grzes - lead manager on tax practice and ethics, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Mark Steber - chief tax information officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
D.C., Maryland and Virginia have a reciprocity agreement, which means that their tax laws make it so that if you work in one state and live in another, you only need to file one return in the state where you live.
"The general rule is this: you owe taxes to the federal government, and to the state where you earn money," Steber said. "Now having said that you also generally owe a tax return in the state where you live. So if you live in one state and work in another state, most taxpayers have to file two tax returns— a resident tax return where they live, and a non-resident tax return where they earn money."
For example, if you live in New York but travel to California during the week to work, you would have to file two tax returns.
"You can't pay twice — that's against the law under a whole host of constitutional provisions," Steber said. "So you'll get a credit for taxes you paid while working in California, even if you lived in New York. It's that simple, but it can be complicated."
Part of the complication, he explained, is differing tax rates between states and figuring out how much of your income was earned in a particular state.
Taxes became even more complex during the pandemic, when working remotely in other states, became prevalent.
It's a different ballpark if you live and work in the DMV.
"If you have somebody who's a non-resident of D.C., but working in D.C., and they live in Maryland, or Virginia, then there's no obligation for them to file a D.C. return," Grzes said.
Now let’s say for some reason, your job was withholding taxes for you in the wrong state. For instance you live in Maryland but you were paying D.C. income tax accidentally.
“If they withheld those, you would just apply for a refund in D.C. to get that money back that you do not owe," Steber said. | 2022-04-08T19:48:19Z | www.wusa9.com | Tax Season 2022: last day to file and where to file in the DMV | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/taxes-2022-last-day-to-file-when-and-where-to-file-state-income-taxes-dc-maryland-virginia-tax-laws/65-7d890935-84ee-4443-a46a-f1786ad99182 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/taxes-2022-last-day-to-file-when-and-where-to-file-state-income-taxes-dc-maryland-virginia-tax-laws/65-7d890935-84ee-4443-a46a-f1786ad99182 |
From Christmas celebrations to the birth of her own son, Adrianne Flowers said her family tragedy created a lifelong connection to Bruce Johnson.
“I was just a baby,” Adrianne Flowers said reflecting on when she first met Bruce Johnson.
Nearly 40 years ago in a horrific house fire, Flowers was burned on 18% of her body. The reporter on the scene was none other than a young Bruce Johnson. But his work didn’t stop when the newscast ended -- he went above and beyond.
“He blessed my family with a new apartment,” Flowers said, of the connection that would end up spanning decades. “He helped out with Christmas, he helped me out with my birthdays, he was there when I had my first son. I know he had an impact on a lot of people, but that's like my father. I don't have a father, so that's like my father. But I miss him."
Flowers said what she will take with her forever are the words of encouragement Johnson always had for her.
“I always thought I was ugly because of my scars growing up," Flowers said. "He always said 'You are more beautiful than you supposed to be. Every time you look in the mirror you should see a beautiful person,' and it kept coming in my head and they kept rubbing off in my head. Now, I know what he means, like I value my worth."
It’s been a few years since they saw each other, and like many of us at WUSA9, Flowers said was hoping to have more time.
“I wish he was still here, just to come through the door, just one time you know," she said. "If heaven had a telephone, you’d be able to call, but I just wish he could walk through the door and be like, 'Hey, Bunny,' but I know he’s not suffering no more, I’m going to miss him."
RELATED: Memorial service for legendary WUSA9 anchor Bruce Johnson is Monday - Here's what his family wants you to know
RELATED: 'Surviving Deep Waters' | Legendary WUSA9 anchor, reporter Bruce Johnson releases new book | 2022-04-08T23:08:11Z | www.wusa9.com | Bruce Johnson's 40-year friendship with infant he met after fire | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/bruce-johnson-adrianne-flowers-reflects-on-the-impact-bruce-johnson-had-in-her-life/65-c5b53ca7-8199-463f-8de8-c028a958bebc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/bruce-johnson-adrianne-flowers-reflects-on-the-impact-bruce-johnson-had-in-her-life/65-c5b53ca7-8199-463f-8de8-c028a958bebc |
An emergency application asked SCOTUS to vacate a stay pending an appeal filed by the Fairfax County Public Schools to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
FAIRFAX, Va. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired on March 14.
Admissions policies discriminate at Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax County, judge says | 2022-04-09T03:52:49Z | www.wusa9.com | Group fighting Fairfax school admissions policy goes to SCOTUS | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/group-fighting-school-admissions-policy-in-fairfax-virginia-goes-to-scotus/65-07d5cf83-2619-4851-b966-5c9a81af4546 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/group-fighting-school-admissions-policy-in-fairfax-virginia-goes-to-scotus/65-07d5cf83-2619-4851-b966-5c9a81af4546 |
Democrats who control the General Assembly on Saturday had the three-fifths majority vote needed in each house needed to override the Republican governor's veto.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of a measure to expand access to abortion in the state was overridden on Saturday by the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats. | 2022-04-09T20:33:34Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland lawmakers override governor's veto of abortion expansion | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/maryland-lawmakers-override-governors-veto-of-abortion-expansion/65-c3b8f8c1-92d4-491f-8508-8ca6360bb8ea | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/maryland-lawmakers-override-governors-veto-of-abortion-expansion/65-c3b8f8c1-92d4-491f-8508-8ca6360bb8ea |
"It didn't matter if he saw you in the hallway, if you played with him three years or if you played with him for who knows how long.”
Credit: Joe Lee
Dwayne Haskins with Bullis Coach Joe Lee
Author: Tom Dempsey (WUSA), Megan Rivers, Deirdre Byrne
WASHINGTON — To many, Dwayne Haskins was known as a once highly touted NFL quarterback who had a standout career at Ohio State University and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Andres Lopez knew the former Washington NFL quarterback simply as "Dwayne," his Bullis Bulldogs football teammate, as well as an editor for the school newspaper.
Lopez and others were left shocked on Saturday when Florida Highway Police announced that Haskins, just 24-years-old, died after being hit by a dump truck while crossing I-595 in South Florida. Haskins was preparing for the upcoming NFL season with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.
Speaking to WUSA9 over Zoom on Saturday — as he studied abroad in Spain — Lopez said he heard the news from his brother during a phone call.
"He goes, 'I don’t know if you saw but Dwayne passed away'," Lopez said. "It’s very heartbreaking. It doesn't matter if you aren’t as close anymore or if you lost connection a little bit. I personally had a close relationship with him in high school. We had a lot of good times together.”
Meanwhile, on Bullis’ campus in Potomac Saturday afternoon, as thousands of athletes were competing in one of the largest track meets on the east coast, the community felt an aching pain at the news of Haskins’ death.
“I never imagined I'd be here having this conversation,” Joe Lee, the head track and field coach for Bullis, said in an interview with WUSA9. “We’re all still in shock.”
Lee recalled meeting Haskins, who graduated high school in 2016, on the Bullis track.
“He asked me [if he could] run track. I told him, ‘No, you're too slow,’” Lee said. “But fortunately, he had a future in football.”
Lee remembers well when Haskins began to emerge as a star quarterback while at Bullis.
“Tireless worker you know, he'd be out here early in the morning late at night working on his craft,” the coach said.
Lopez, who was a running back for the team, noted that when looking past Haskins’ obvious talent, the quarterback was always there for his teammates.
"He was very ambitious. He wanted a lot for the team. He wanted a lot from all of his players," Lopez said. "Just playing with him on the field you could just tell a difference in how he would throw a football and how he would lead the team.”
Lopez recalled when top colleges grew interested in Haskins’ talent. During moments in class, he said Haskins would need to step out to field calls from coaches interested in having him on their team.
"I was just in the hallway. I was like, ‘What’s up Dwayne?' He said, 'It’s SMU! Just got an offer. It’s a huge deal.' Then it just started becoming a thing," Lopez said. "It was every other class period. 'Hey, I got to take this. It’s Maryland. It’s Michigan State.”
Haskins' impact on others stretched far beyond the football field.
In a letter to the school community Saturday, Christian Sullivan, the head of school, wrote, that while Haskins “was known as a standout athlete at Bullis, Ohio State, and in the NFL … here at Bullis we also knew him as an honorable, smart, and family-oriented young man who graduated from college in three years.”
Aside from being an exceptional athlete, Haskins also succeeded in the classroom and was a sports editor for the Bullis Bulldog newspaper.
Lopez remembered how the quarterback would cheer others up on bad days and always seemed to have a good attitude.
"He had an infectious smile. It was a great smile," he said. "He was the kind of person who would leave a positive impact on you. It didn't matter if he saw you in the hallway, if you played with him three years or if you played with him for who knows how long.”
Following the sudden passing of Haskins, Lopez said he would best remember his former teammate as a leader on and off the field who didn't let his extraordinary talent get in the way of helping others.
"There were days no one wanted to go throw and we went in a snowstorm. Memories like that really bring it back," Lopez said. "It was very cool to have someone like that not only as a leader, as a quarterback, but as a friend.”
As he was surrounded by athletes on the Bullis campus, Lee said he knew Haskins would want the athletes to persevere despite the tragic news.
Though sports are what initially brought them together, it was the game of life, Lee says, that kept them bonded.
Lee recalled visits to Smashburger with Haskins.
“We just talking about life and just trying to figure this thing out which we're all trying to do,” Lee said.
The coach wishes he could say three words to the young man who meant so much to him.
“I love you, yeah, I love you,” Lee said.
RELATED: Former Washington Commanders QB dies after being hit by truck
RELATED: Former Washington QB Dwayne Haskins is engaged | Get Uplifted | 2022-04-10T03:24:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Bullis teammate remembers Haskins as leader on and off field | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/dwayne-haskins-death-bullis-school-quarterback-andres-lopez-football/65-0bf007c3-1ce1-4520-b290-4602b17510ca | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/dwayne-haskins-death-bullis-school-quarterback-andres-lopez-football/65-0bf007c3-1ce1-4520-b290-4602b17510ca |
WUSA9 was exclusively in the room where it happened... where an iconic father, son duo spoke of their philanthropic work to help artists of color advance in theatre.
Author: Makayla Lucero, Deirdre Byrne
WASHINGTON — Luis A. Miranda Jr. was honored Saturday at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's 2022 gala in D.C.
Attending the gala at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, was his son, the creator of the Broadway musical Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Though his son has become a phenomenon with hit Disney movies like "Enchanto," the Puerto Rican born Luis Miranda Jr. is a force in his own right. He is an activist, a founding partner of the MirRam Group, a board chair for the Latino Victory Fund board chair and a founding president of the Hispanic Federation.
As a fighter for social justice, he is involved in politics, advocating for women and candidates of color. He managed Tish James' campaign to become attorney general of New York and was also a key contributor for Hillary Clinton's run for U.S. Senate.
Luis Miranda Jr. was not only honored for his activism at the gala, but also for his contributions to the Miranda Family Fellow Program which launched in spring 2021.
The fellowship is described as providing "talented candidates from historically excluded communities, especially Black, Indigenous, Latiné, and People of Color, with the resources and training necessary to build their careers as theatre makers."
Both Lin-Manuel and Luis Miranda were at the gala to honor recipients of the fellowship. WUSA9 spoke exclusively to the father-son duo about their involvement in the program and why it is so important to empower underrepresented groups in the theater.
Luis Miranda said he hopes that the fellowship can start to change how theater looks in the country by reflecting "people who represent all walks of life in America."
Lin-Manuel Miranda hopes the fellowship can also expand opportunities for underrepresented groups when it comes to backstage work.
"The fact that Lin-Manuel has been able to open doors for so many people of color throughout the country, and if we could replicate some of that at Woolly Mammoth, we want to continue to do that," Luis Miranda said.
Woolly Mammoth received more than 3,000 applications for the fellowship, which lasts from this June through June 2023.
We don't talk about Bruno...but the Oscars will | 2022-04-10T05:27:08Z | www.wusa9.com | Lin-Manuel Miranda attends gala honoring father, Luis Miranda Jr. | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/luis-miranda-father-of-lin-manuel-miranda-honored-at-woolly-mammoth-gala-in-dc-wusa9/65-f4a04d0a-432c-40ed-a6f8-85e71fd7d7db | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/luis-miranda-father-of-lin-manuel-miranda-honored-at-woolly-mammoth-gala-in-dc-wusa9/65-f4a04d0a-432c-40ed-a6f8-85e71fd7d7db |
Man and two teens shot near Nationals Park Saturday, police say
The shooting happened around 10:56 p.m. shortly after the end of the game.
WASHINGTON — Metropolitan Police are searching for the suspects responsible for the shooting of three people Saturday night.
An official from the department told WUSA9 that officers were called to the 100 block of P St. SW around 10:56 p.m. for a report of a shooting.
Officers found a 16-year-old girl at the location, a man near Potomac St. SW, and a 17-year-old boy at the Navy Yard Metro Station all suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were all transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Police say none of their injuries are life-threatening at this time.
The Nationals played the New York Mets Saturday at 7 p.m.
They put up a fight but fell to the Mets with a score of 5-0 continuing their losing streak so far in the season.
Anyone who was in the area of the shooting or who may have any information should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 5041.
RELATED: Three men shot, one woman stabbed in separate attacks reported in one hour across DC, police say
RELATED: Fans sent scurrying after a triple shooting outside Nats Park during a game | Police recover vehicle of interest
Prince George's County woman speaks after she was attacked by 4 people outside her home | 2022-04-10T15:03:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Three shot near Nationals Park, police searching for suspects | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/three-shot-near-nationals-park-saturday-police-say/65-bc568abd-ded0-487c-b30b-e28ec9e6108f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/three-shot-near-nationals-park-saturday-police-say/65-bc568abd-ded0-487c-b30b-e28ec9e6108f |
Police pursuit touching areas in DMV following carjacking in Arlington
The pursuit crossed Virginia, D.C. and Maryland, according to a Prince George's County Police Department official.
ARLINGTON, Va. — Multiple agencies were in pursuit of a carjacked vehicle spanning from Arlington through D.C. and into Prince George's County, according to the Prince George's County Police Department's Corporal Erik Marsh.
According to police, a D.C. helicopter followed the carjacked vehicles from Arlington, Virginia across county lines and assisted in the apprehension of five suspects.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Southern Avenues SE. around 10:45 a.m. according to the official.
No injuries have currently been reported.
This is a developing story and WUSA9 will continue to provide updates as more information comes in. | 2022-04-10T17:11:20Z | www.wusa9.com | Police pursuit after carjacking in Arlington | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/police-pursuit-after-a-carjacking-in-arlington/65-f8a1ed0b-9146-415f-befe-b9753187abbc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/police-pursuit-after-a-carjacking-in-arlington/65-f8a1ed0b-9146-415f-befe-b9753187abbc |
The Nurses Association says the strike will last 24 hours.
WASHINGTON — Nurses at Howard University Hospital in Northwest, who are members of the D.C. Nurses Association, are going on strike Monday.
The strike begins at 7:30 a.m. with the aim being "to demand a fair contract and safe staffing to protect patients."
According to a news release from the D.C. Nurses Association, nurses have experienced cuts to shifts which "will reduce nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers’ compensation and negatively affect retention at the hospital." The union notes that healthcare professionals have already been struggling with understaffing over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It really comes down to treating us with dignity and respect. They are understaffing in the hospital, and they are taking from us as costs continue to rise. Allowing us to maintain our financial dignity reflects respect. Providing enough staff so we can care for our patients the way they deserve to be cared for reflects respect,” said Jeanette Ethridge, RN, (Behavioral Health) at Howard University Hospital said in a statement.
The nurses plan to picket and rally outside the hospital several times Monday. The strike will end at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12.
Howard University Hospital issued a statement saying the 24-hour strike will not impact patient care at the hospital.
"While we are deeply disappointed that the Union has made this decision, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that, during the one day strike, our patients continue to receive the same high-quality care in a safe environment that they expect and deserve," a hospital spokesperson said in a statement.
"The hospital has been working diligently to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with DCNA, including participating in over 20 collective bargaining sessions and five mediation days. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach an agreement. We have already implemented hourly wage increases averaging 9.6% based on our final proposal. Howard University Hospital is properly staffed and we have made proposals to the Union to work together to address future staffing needs. We respect and appreciate our RNs and all of our staff members at the hospital that deliver consistently excellent care for our patients," the statement continues.
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RELATED: No, Congress is not considering a salary cap for nurses | 2022-04-11T10:41:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Howard University hospital nurses 24-hour strike | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/howard-university-hospital-nurses-stage-24-hour-strike/65-a2d6780f-d8a7-4ee9-8e07-29e9a73042c7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/howard-university-hospital-nurses-stage-24-hour-strike/65-a2d6780f-d8a7-4ee9-8e07-29e9a73042c7 |
The woman helped rescue two people from the home before going back inside, firefighters said.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — A woman is dead after she went back into her burning home to try to save her pets, according to firefighters in Spotsylvania County.
Crews with Spotsylvania County Fire and Rescue Services were called to a report of a house fire with a person trapped in the 10100 block of Jim Morris Road in Fredericksburg Sunday morning.
Firefighter arrived at the home around 8 a.m. to find flames and smoke coming from the front of the house. Responding crews worked quickly to get the fire under control and searched for the trapped person.
A preliminary investigation found that the home was occupied by three people at the time of the fire. The woman who discovered the fire was able to get her elderly sister and her husband out of the home, before going back inside to retrieve several pets, according to firefighters.
Investigators said when she went back inside the home she was apparently overcome by the smoke and was not able to make it back out to safety.
The two people who made it out were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation are are expected to be OK.
Firefighters are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
"We ask everyone to never re-enter a building on fire to save pets or belongings, urging everyone to get out and stay out, in the event of a fire," firefighters said in a press release. | 2022-04-11T13:48:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Woman dies trying to rescue pets from blaze | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/woman-dies-trying-to-save-pets-from-house-fire-in-spotsylvania-co/65-393c70bf-0a28-488a-8be6-104462a6d205 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/woman-dies-trying-to-save-pets-from-house-fire-in-spotsylvania-co/65-393c70bf-0a28-488a-8be6-104462a6d205 |
The Fairfax-based leading provider of forensic services, Bode Technology, is planning to invest $2 million to expand its DNA testing services lab.
Credit: Giovanni Cancemi - stock.adobe.c
FAIRFAX, Va. — New jobs are on their way to Fairfax County, according to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, now that a forensic lab expansion is coming to the area.
The Fairfax-based leading provider of forensic services, Bode Technology, is planning to invest $2 million to expand its DNA testing services lab in Fairfax County in an effort to support increased customer demand.
“Biotechnology is evolving rapidly in the 21st century and leading firms like Bode help drive the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in this vital sector, Gov. Youngkin said. “We look forward to continuing to see the company’s impact and thank Bode Technology for its confidence in Virginia.”
According to the governor’s office, Bode Technology’s forensic DNA experts have assisted in identifying criminals in every state in the U.S., as well as victims of war, terrorism, crime, and natural disasters, including the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, the conflicts in Cyprus, and the remains of U.S. soldiers dating back to World War II.
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The company also helped to eliminate Virginia’s statewide backlog of 2,665 untested sexual assault kits, providing closure to countless victims of sexual assault and providing investigative leads to law enforcement in hundreds of cases, according to the governor. Just recently, Bode Technology assisted the Fairfax County Police Department in the identification of two victims of a suspected serial killer dubbed the ‘Shopping Cart Killer.’
RELATED: 'It’s bringing back the memories': Mother learns daughter's death in DC could be linked to 'Shopping Cart Killer' | 2022-04-11T16:50:16Z | www.wusa9.com | 70 new jobs created by Fairfax Co. forensic lab expansion | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-new-fairfax-county-forensic-lab-expansion-creates-70-new-jobs/65-12a6d464-be82-4622-b6c6-ca6dc31d97a5 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-new-fairfax-county-forensic-lab-expansion-creates-70-new-jobs/65-12a6d464-be82-4622-b6c6-ca6dc31d97a5 |
There is no information available regarding why the shooting started or if there is any suspect police are currently looking for.
WASHINGTON — Police are investigating a shooting that left three people injured in DC Monday evening.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the shooting happened just after 6:15 p.m. at Summit Place and T Street NE, near McKinley High School.
Officers say one man was found injured but breathing at the scene. Another man and a woman walked into a nearby hospital with injuries, both were conscious and breathing.
Anyone with information should contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's text tip line at 50411.
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A retired teacher's aid in Capitol Heights was attacked when she was coming home from the grocery store. | 2022-04-12T01:57:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Police: Three injured in shooting in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-triple-shooting-dc/65-2f3a8f10-2e04-44b0-8f1a-dcfc75717ffe | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-triple-shooting-dc/65-2f3a8f10-2e04-44b0-8f1a-dcfc75717ffe |
Two days after it was first posted, the Twitter video that Saoirse Gowan uploaded has been viewed over 600,000 times.
WASHINGTON — The cellphone video posted to Twitter on Saturday begins by showing Saoirse Gowan on board a Metro train. A fellow passenger wearing jeans can be seen sitting nearby, as the sound of the moving train can be heard.
Seconds later, a barrage of hateful and transphobic words is heard from the man as he stands up and walks toward the woman.
For nearly 60 seconds in the video, the man curses at Gowan and tells her "you don't belong on this (expletive) Metro."
That quote was among the tamest she heard against her.
The man backs off and sits down as a police officer enters the train at the end of the video.
Two days after it was first posted, the Twitter video that Gowan uploaded has been viewed over 600,000 times.
For Gowan, the feelings of living through the moment will be something she never forgets.
"It was genuinely the most terrifying experience of my life," she said. "I think if I hadn’t been lucky enough to have a transit officer arrive when he did, I could have potentially been the victim of actual violence.”
On Monday, the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) confirmed the weekend incident and said no charges had been filed yet.
"The MTPD officer interviewed both individuals and took identification information," a statement read. "The officer removed the man from the train and the complainant continued on. The complainant did not want to pursue this as a criminal matter and a police information report was subsequently taken to document the incident."
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority added that MTPD continues to investigate the case and will present information to the U.S. Attorney's Office about whether charges should be filed.
Speaking with WUSA9 on Monday, Gowan said she chose not to file any charges due to the threat incarcerated trans women may face if the man is put behind bars.
"I generally don’t think that shifting transphobes into prisons, where trans women are often unjustly incarcerated alongside cis men and cis transphobes, is a real solution," she said. "I don’t trust that the solutions to these problems are found in the criminal justice system.”
Instead, Gowan took aim at the hateful language used against transgender people by politicians today. She believed the words used by the man on the Metro are used by others as a way to attack trans people.
"It's the language people use to justify individual acts of violence," Gowan said. "It’s the excuses being given by homophobes and transphobes for violence.”
Moving forward, Gowan said regular folks can help by using de-escalation techniques in similar situations.
She also said community support would go a long way.
"The day after this happened to me, someone shared that they had been sexually harassed for being trans on Metro literally less than 24 hours after what happened to me," Gowan said. "This is not an isolated incident. Trans people need more support to feel safe.”
Following the incident, the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America voiced support for Gowan and called for DC Council to better protect transgender individuals.
"Last night, one of our Metro D.C. DSA comrades was harassed and filmed without her consent for being a trans woman riding the Metro," a statement by the group read. "This is no coincidence or isolated incident. The person who attacked our comrade echoed common conservative rhetoric that has been gaining national traction."
The group added that non-transgender people can help by calling out transphobia as it is happening.
"We deserve a world where everyone can feel safe to be themselves, where trans kids can grow into trans adults, and where our transgender comrades can not just exist but can thrive and live their fullest lives," the group said.
RELATED: Gender 'X' identity now an option for people on US Passports | 2022-04-12T03:29:39Z | www.wusa9.com | Transgender woman describes harassment she experienced on Metro | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/metro-transgender-video-harassment-hate-dc/65-601ca19f-7e2d-40cb-bee1-2270bf696897 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/metro-transgender-video-harassment-hate-dc/65-601ca19f-7e2d-40cb-bee1-2270bf696897 |
In one case they used the victim's COVID mask to pull over his face like a blindfold, they also used zip ties to abduct the victims at gun point.
WASHINGTON — Editors Note: This video above aired on September 8, 2021.
Taheed Ebron, 21, and Nathan Coleman, 29, both of Washington, D.C. pleaded guilty on Friday to abducting two men at gunpoint over a five-day period in August of 2021. In both incidents, the pair used blindfolds and zip ties to restrain their victims according to courts documents.
Following the government’s evidence, on Aug. 24, 2021, at around 10:45 p.m., Ebron and Coleman kidnapped a man at gunpoint while he was walking home in the 1300 block of Corcoran Street NW.
In this attack, the defendants pulled the victim's COVID facemask over his eyes and blindfolded him and forced him into the rear of Ebron's SUV, according to officials. The suspects then demanded that the victim hand over his cellphone, credit/debit cards and all of his PINs (Personal Identification Numbers).
After all of this happened, the defendants then drove the man to multiple ATMs and used his cards to withdraw more than $1,400 from his accounts.
They also used the man’s cards and cellphone to make a series of purchases and transactions, including a $1,200 PayPal transfer, the U.S. Attorney's office for D.C. said in a release.
Ebron and Coleman eventually released the man from the SUV, forcing him to lay face down on the ground in an alley before driving away.
The victim spoke with WUSA9 earlier this year.
“They dumped me in an alley still zip-tied, car pulled up, one of them pushed me out got out with me, car took off, held me down and said ‘count to 30’ took the hood off and he ran,” the victim explained.
ICYMI: Taheed Ebron, 21, and Nathan Coleman, 29, both of D.C., pleaded guilty today to kidnapping two men at gunpoint over a five-day period in August 2021 and using blindfolds and zip ties to restrain their victims.
Just days later, on Aug. 28, 2021, just before 4 a.m., Ebron and Coleman kidnapped another man at gunpoint near the intersection of 13th and E Streets NE while the victim was riding an electric scooter on the way to work.
After seeing the man, Ebron parked his SUV at the intersection of 13th and E St NE, and Ebron, Coleman, and the third perpetrator got out of the vehicle. The defendants ran toward the man caught him and threw him to the ground, it said in the release.
They then hooded him using a drawstring bag and restrained his hands with zip ties that Ebron and Coleman had purchased the previous day. The defendants forced the man into the SUV and demanded his wallet, cellphone, and PINs. They drove him to an ATM and withdrew more than $1,000 from his bank account.
Ebron and Coleman eventually released the man from the vehicle, instructing him to run straight ahead and not look back or else be shot.
The defendants then used his debit card to make a series of purchases and withdrawals.
Both Ebron and Coleman plead guilty in Superior Court of D.C. to two counts of armed kidnapping. An unidentified 14-year-old has also been arrested in connection to the kidnappings. That case is being handled by the juvenile courts and details are unavailable due to the suspect's age.
These guilty pleas are based upon the Court's approval, the U.S. Attorney's office for D.C. said in a press release. Ebron’s plea calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 10 to 12 years in prison, and Coleman’s plea calls for eight to 10 years in prison. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2022.
RELATED: 3 DC men charged with string of robberies | 2022-04-12T03:29:45Z | www.wusa9.com | Two men charged with armed kidnapping after using zip ties | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/two-men-plead-guilty-to-two-armed-kidnappings-in-2021-dc/65-4522eae0-59f0-4540-9d26-cc5c8a36c3ce | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/two-men-plead-guilty-to-two-armed-kidnappings-in-2021-dc/65-4522eae0-59f0-4540-9d26-cc5c8a36c3ce |
Come Dance With Me will premiere on Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m.
STAFFORD, Va. — A father and daughter duo from Stafford, Virginia will compete in a brand new dance competition from CBS.
Come Dance With Me will premiere on Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. According to a release from CBS, the episode will conclude with a surprising twist.
The new dance competition series will star 12 dance teams, each comprised of one extremely talented kid dancer and their untrained parent. Together the pairs will compete for the chance to win the grand prize of $100,000.
In the series premiere, the teams will perform to hit songs, including Grown Woman by Beyonce and We Will Rock You by Queen.
Following the teams' performances, the judges, Jenna Dewan, Dexter Mayfield and Tricia Miranda, will give their expert opinions.
Throughout the season, the teams will be taught different dance routines from hip hop to ballroom and the pairs will perform each week in hopes of earning a top score from the judges. At the end of each episode, the two lowest-scoring teams will battle each other in a freestyle dance-off, as the judges determine which team will be eliminated.
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Zam Dance is a dance fitness program with intellectual and developmental differences. | 2022-04-12T09:36:53Z | www.wusa9.com | Stafford father, daughter to compete in CBS dance competition | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/stafford-father-daughter-compete-cbs-dance-competition-series/65-45b17c08-d696-4858-86f9-16a2a3a86101 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/stafford-father-daughter-compete-cbs-dance-competition-series/65-45b17c08-d696-4858-86f9-16a2a3a86101 |
The young teen was found suffering from gunshot wounds just before 11 p.m. Monday.
WASHINGTON — A 15-year-old has died after police were alerted of gunshots fired in Northwest D.C. Monday night.
The young teen was found suffering from his injuries in the 3000 block of 13th St. NW in Columbia Heights. He ultimately died, according to police. They did not confirm whether the boy died at the scene or in a local hospital.
Currently, there are no details on possible suspects or a motive in the shooting, police said.
RELATED: Does the mayor's proposed budget do enough to keep DC kids off the streets?
Initially, officials say the area was shut down to traffic while homicide investigators processed the scene. The area has since been cleared and all roads are back open.
Police ask anyone who may have information to contact them at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411. | 2022-04-12T11:10:40Z | www.wusa9.com | 15 year old found dead after NW DC shooting Monday | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-columbia-heights-15-year-old-dies-after-columbia-heights-shooting/65-394a1df0-2da5-4c2c-ad1b-d4105fde3194 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-columbia-heights-15-year-old-dies-after-columbia-heights-shooting/65-394a1df0-2da5-4c2c-ad1b-d4105fde3194 |
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Ryan LeRoux's family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Montgomery County after a grand jury failed to indict the officers responsible for his shooting death.
21-year-old LeRoux was shot to death by Montgomery County Police in July 2021 after refusing to leave a Gaithersburg McDonald's drive-thru and pay for his food.
On March 31, a Howard County grand jury said it will not charge the four officers responsible for shooting LeRoux.
After the ruling came in, LeRoux's family released a statement, saying in part, "Rhonda and I are deeply saddened that four Montgomery County Police Department officers met our African-American son's cry for help with 23 shots fired. Ryan LeRoux was in the midst of a mental health crisis -- not a crime. The MCPD knew that Ryan needed help -- not bullets."
They went on to say that they plan to hold MCPD accountable since they won't face criminal charges.
“They could have de-escalated that," Ryan's dad, Paul LeRoux said in October 2021. "They could have tended to him, and that never had to happen.”
His family said just before the shooting, he had lost a grandparent, girlfriend, job, and home, which was exacerbating his schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD.
Under the ADA, they said he was entitled to more accommodations in the officers' response.
In the 22-page lawsuit, the family also alleges that Montgomery County PD has a history of using deadly force in encounters with people in a mental health crisis – and that their officers don’t receive proper training in how to handle these situations.
The family will be holding a press conference at 6 p.m. Tuesday night in Baltimore to go over the lawsuit. | 2022-04-12T12:47:18Z | www.wusa9.com | ryan leroux's family files wrongful death lawsuit montgomery co | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/ryan-leroux-family-files-wrongful-death-lawsuit-montgomery-co-officers-shot-him-death/65-c0a0e9da-829d-4ff6-8df0-ef04b8cd9724 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/ryan-leroux-family-files-wrongful-death-lawsuit-montgomery-co-officers-shot-him-death/65-c0a0e9da-829d-4ff6-8df0-ef04b8cd9724 |
A decades-long effort to change the name finally became a success on April 11.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — (Editor's Note: the video above is from March 23, 2022)
A bill that supporters have spent years campaigning for will finally take effect this year.
Indian Head Highway will be officially renamed to Piscataway Highway beginning in October 2022. The bill passed the Maryland House and the Senate on April 11.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed the bill in a ceremony on Tuesday.
The highway in Prince George's County ignited a battle that began in 2015, which stemmed from the argument that the name is offensive. An initial Change.org petition for the cause has already received thousands of signatures.
"We are elated with the movement of this bill, but saddened that we have had to do so much to change a name on our own ancestral lands," said Jesse James Swann, Chief of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, when the bill was still working to gain steam.
The tribe was recognized by the State of Maryland in 2013.
The Piscataway people were encountered by English Captian John Smith during his first exploration of the Chesapeake Bay nearly 420 years ago, according to historians.
Southern Maryland Legislator Jay Walker testified during a virtual hearing on the bill on March 11.
“The term Indian Head was used at a time when it was legal to kill native Americans, take their body parts and sell them,” Walker said.
"For centuries the Native American community has been the victim of discrimination from the general public," the initial petition still reads. "We, the members of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, whose ancestral lands include both this highway and town are asking for both to be changed. Both are discriminatory to Native Americans in general, and we will no longer tolerate it."
Piscataway Conoy tribe says 'Indian Head Highway' name should be changed
'Victim of discrimination' | Piscataway Conoy Tribe push for name change of Indian Head city, highway | 2022-04-12T17:19:25Z | www.wusa9.com | Bill passes to rename Indian Head Highway,honors Piscataway Tribe | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-indian-head-highway-piscataway-highway-maryland-bill-passes/65-a5e9dfc1-96d0-4f1c-a4ea-82fd182a35c2 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-indian-head-highway-piscataway-highway-maryland-bill-passes/65-a5e9dfc1-96d0-4f1c-a4ea-82fd182a35c2 |
Daniel Egtvedt, of Maryland, will go before a jury in June on charges of assaulting police on Jan. 6
WASHINGTON — A Maryland man wants a judge to limit a jury from seeing jailhouse letters he wrote to a sheriff asking for help and other statements made to law enforcement after his arrest on Capitol riot charges.
Daniel Egtvedet, of Garrett County, Maryland, is scheduled to begin trial June 6 before U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. Egtvedt was indicted last March on multiple felony counts in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting and resisting police.
Video released following a legal challenge by a media coalition that includes WUSA9 appears to show Egtvedt berating and physically engaging with police on at least three different occasions on Jan. 6. The video appears to show Egtvedt entering the Capitol by force with a large group, shouting at officers in the crypt, attempting to push past officers in the Hall of Columns and eventually being restrained by at least five officers, before he is pushed backward, knocking into a column.
Egtvedt’s attorney, Kira Anne West, says her client suffered a concussion and lost consciousness when his head slammed into the column, although the video appears to show Egtvedt never stopped screaming as police picked him up off the floor and pushed him out of the Capitol. West said Egtvedt then went on to make “numerous” statements outside the Capitol while possibly concussed – but it’s statements he made to police more than a month later she wants a judge to suppress.
In a motion filed before Cooper, West says Egtvedt was improperly induced into speaking to police during his arrest without warning of his constitutional rights. She also argued a “coercive atmosphere” created by police custody and interrogation resulted in undermining the privilege against self-incrimination.
In a response motion filed by the DOJ on Monday, prosecutors elaborated on exactly what statements Egtvedt allegedly made. They include asking an FBI agent if he’d recorded him at the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6 – an implicit admission Egtvedt was there – and allegedly telling a Maryland State Trooper they would need multiple officers to transfer him to D.C. and “that he would fight to prevent them from taking him.”
While in custody in Maryland, Egtvedt also handwrote two letters to the Garrett County Sheriff asking him to intervene in his case. In the letters, Egtvedt described himself as a “legal citizen” of Garrett County and claimed the arrest was violating his “organic constitutional rights.” Egtvedt also warned that if he was transferred to D.C. it would “place me as a political prisoner in a foreign land.” Later, while being driven to the District, Egtvedt reportedly asked officers what “port” he was being taken to and mentioned “maritime law.”
New info about the statements Daniel Egtvedt wants suppressed. Includes a letter he wrote to the Garrett County (MD) Sheriff that seems borderline sovereign citizen/constitutional sheriff-esque. Says if he's transferred to D.C. he'll be a "political prisoner in a foreign land." pic.twitter.com/xwcjDczKrx
Many of those phrases, including the reference to “maritime law” in particular, are associated with the sovereign citizen movement – a loose, right-wing and anti-government ideology that often believes, among other things, that county sheriffs are the highest law enforcement officers in the land.
Egtvedt’s attorney said Tuesday she was not aware of any links he had to the sovereign citizen movement.
Egtvedt, a former Republican donor, was arrested last year while trying to physically stop his brother from taking their mother to get a COVID-19 vaccine which, he told police, he believed was a population control method from the government. Egtvedt also posted supportively of the QAnon conspiracy theory on Facebook.
Prosecutors have argued all of Egtvedt’s statements to police should be admissible and that the letters he wrote to the sheriff were voluntary statements.
Egtvedt was initially held in pretrial detention, but was granted release on bond in April under restriction to his home in Oakland, Maryland.
It was not immediately clear whether the Garrett County Sheriff ever responded to Egtvedt’s request. | 2022-04-12T20:20:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Daniel Egtvedt wants jailhouse letters kept out of riot trial | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/capitol-riot-suspect-wants-jailhouse-letters-kept-out-of-trial-daniel-egtvedt-garrett-county-assault-january-6-sovereign-citizen-sheriff/65-ef60b539-eb11-4433-a1c2-c418a8ae5163 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/capitol-riot-suspect-wants-jailhouse-letters-kept-out-of-trial-daniel-egtvedt-garrett-county-assault-january-6-sovereign-citizen-sheriff/65-ef60b539-eb11-4433-a1c2-c418a8ae5163 |
Over the weekend the Metropolitan Police Department was notified about 17 medical emergencies between Saturday and Monday.
WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department responded to 17 overdoses in a three-day period, leaving 10 people dead and seven others requiring medical attention. Police say they've linked the overdoses to a "bad batch" of cocaine mixed with "suspected fentanyl."
Between 10 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Monday there were a series of drug overdoses in the D.C. community. MPD responded to seven medical emergencies related to drug overdoses on Saturday alone, four of which were fatal. Police say that some people were able to walk away after NARCAN (Naloxone) was administered to them.
In total, MPD said 17 medical emergencies were suspected to be narcotic overdoses primarily concentrated in the Trinidad and Ivy City neighborhoods. The ages of those impacted ranges from mid-30s to 60-years-old.
MPD said they are working with the Federal Drug Administration to investigate the sourcing of the drugs in the community.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and form of medicine that when prescribed is used to treat patients for severe pain typically after surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, NIH said it can be “used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids." Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
NIH says that synthetic opioids are the most common drugs that are involved in drug overdoses.
Residents in D.C. are able to access NARCAN (Naloxone) through delivery by texting LiveLongDC to 888-811. There are also areas throughout the district where residents can pick up NARCAN for free. A prescription is not needed in order to pick up and carry NARCAN.
RELATED: Police: 4 dead after 7 overdoses in Trinidad, Ivy City neighborhoods of DC
RELATED: Maryland man busted for guns, drugs arrested again a month later | 2022-04-12T23:26:44Z | www.wusa9.com | 10 dead and 7 required medical attention in mass overdose in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/drug-overdoses-in-dc/65-1ff82086-70a2-48f5-bfdd-872d83c9fd7b | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/drug-overdoses-in-dc/65-1ff82086-70a2-48f5-bfdd-872d83c9fd7b |
According to a release from the Montgomery County Department of Police, the shooting happened in the 1000 block of Good Hope Drive just after 3:30 p.m.
WHEATON-GLENMONT, Maryland — Police are investigating after a 19-year-old man was shot and killed in Wheaton Tuesday evening.
When officers arrived, they found the 19-year-old victim in the parking lot of a residential area. First responders worked to save the man's life and he was taken to a nearby hospital for help but he has since died from his injuries.
Police were on the lookout for a vehicle after the deadly shooting and two people were arrested following a short pursuit. There is no information available regarding the suspects at this time.
Police identify person killed in shooting at Prince George's County mall | 2022-04-13T01:01:58Z | www.wusa9.com | Police: 19-year-old killed after shooting in Montgomery County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-shooting-wheaton-maryland/65-7a1b3c29-eec4-4fb6-a1bb-f48bb35ab3d5 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-shooting-wheaton-maryland/65-7a1b3c29-eec4-4fb6-a1bb-f48bb35ab3d5 |
Family speaks out after filing lawsuit against Montgomery Co. officers who shot Ryan LeRoux to death
MPD is investigating two separate deadly shootings that were reported minutes apart in Southeast Tuesday afternoon.
WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating two separate deadly shootings that were reported minutes apart in Southeast Tuesday afternoon.
According to a release from MPD, the first shooting happened in the 2200 block of Savannah Street around 12:22 p.m. When officers arrived they found a man, identified as 32-year-old Clayton Marshall, who appeared to have been shot multiple times. Marshall was taken to a nearby hospital for help but later died from his injuries.
A second man was also injured in the shooting. He was located at another hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. There is no word on his condition at this time.
Less than two miles away, a second separate shooting was reported in the 2800 block of Gainsville Street 16 minutes later.
When officers arrived at the second shooting, they found a man, identified as 29-year-old William Venison, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. First responders tried to help Venison and took him to the nearby hospital for help but he died from his injuries.
Police have yet to release any suspect information in either of the shootings.
Officials have not connected the shootings.
Anyone with information on either shooting should contact MPD at 202-727-9099. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can submit information through the department's text tip line by sending a message to 50411.
WATCH NEXT: Peace for DC gathers to discuss violence reduction in the District
Community leaders and members discuss ways to reduce violence in the District. | 2022-04-13T04:04:36Z | www.wusa9.com | Police investigate two deadly shootings in Southeast DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/deadly-shootings-reported-minutes-apart-southeast-dc/65-63ae622f-5156-4e54-bf41-71bfdc1a4c7d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/deadly-shootings-reported-minutes-apart-southeast-dc/65-63ae622f-5156-4e54-bf41-71bfdc1a4c7d |
Even with nearly 80% fewer riders on the rails in 2021, aggravated assaults significantly outpaced the last 5 years.
WASHINGTON — The attack on the New York City subway put public transit groups across the country on alert.
Here in the DC metro area, WMATA reported there is no threat to Metro’s rail service.
Tuesday, Metro police offered a show of force at several stations around the District in an effort to calm fears of a similar attack happening here.
However, at some Metro stops it was business as usual.
“I ride Metro every day and it's the same old lack of officers and lack of security here,” One rider told WUSA9. “I just think police don't like to be present on Metro because of all the crime that happens. Whether it's skipping fares or people being hooligans.”
Metro’s crime stats show that in 2021 overall crime was down along with ridership. But there was a spike in one category of serious crime: aggravated assaults.
RELATED: 'The most terrifying experience of my life' | Transgender woman describes recent hateful harassment she experienced on Metro
In 2021, Metro reported 183 aggravated assaults, which is an astronomical increase from 105 in 2018.
That is a statistic that becomes more daunting when you factor in that ridership was down nearly 80% in 2021 from its pre-pandemic levels.
WUSA9 asked WMATA for some key safety and crime stats. The transit service reports police have 390 sworn officers on duty. Those officers handled more than 43,600 calls last year and made more than 1,200 arrests. A spokesman for the agency said no one was available to comment further.
In the meantime, riders WUSa9 talked to on Tuesday said the increased security didn’t make them feel better about the state of safety on Metro’s rails.
“I'm not sure if a temporary increase in security is what we're looking for,” one man said, “There's a minimum level of security that should be provided at all times.” | 2022-04-13T11:39:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Ridership down, but assaults escalated in 2021 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc-assaults-on-metro-skyrocketed-in-2021-ridership-plummeted/65-601df0e2-606c-4933-acb7-7b33e8dc1cb7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc-assaults-on-metro-skyrocketed-in-2021-ridership-plummeted/65-601df0e2-606c-4933-acb7-7b33e8dc1cb7 |
Heather Idoni, under indictment for blockading a D.C. abortion clinic in 2020, asked to travel to Ukraine to provide aid and supplies to refugees.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge denied an anti-abortion activist’s request to join a humanitarian mission to Ukraine this week – ordering her to stay in the country in advance of a hearing for her felony case in D.C.
Heather Idoni, 61, was among nine anti-abortion activists indicted earlier this month for conspiracy against rights for blockading a D.C. abortion clinic in October 2020. One of Idoni’s co-defendants, Lauren Handy, was at the center of a whirlwind of news coverage the same day the indictment was unsealed when police found five fetuses at her Capitol Hill home. Idoni, who lives in Michigan, wasn’t involved with the discovery.
Last week, Idoni’s attorney, Peter Cooper, filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to allow his client to travel to the border of Moldova and Ukraine for approximately two weeks to join a humanitarian mission. Cooper said Idoni was an “integral part” of the mission and noted one of her adopted sons lives in Ukraine.
“The Defendant is personally serving as an interpreter due to her knowledge of the Russian language and previous travel experiences in the area,” Cooper wrote. “She has made roughly a dozen trips to Ukraine between 2014 and 2019 as she and her husband have legally adopted 10 sons from different areas of Ukraine during these years.”
Cooper said the plan was for Idoni and others to bring supplies for hospitals and refugees fleeing the ongoing Russian assault on the country. In the Ukrainian city of Mariupol alone, officials have estimated as many as 10,000 civilians have been killed. President Joe Biden and other international leaders have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin and accused him and the Russian military of war crimes.
Idoni was ordered to surrender her passport earlier this month following her arrest and is required to obtain the court’s permission for any travel outside the continental U.S. She’s also barred from entering reproductive health clinics except for personal medical appointments.
Last week, and again on Tuesday, Kollar-Kotelly denied Idoni’s request for travel.
“Although Defendant’s commitment to volunteerism is admirable, given that a status hearing in this case is set for April 29, 2022 and given the serious felony charge Defendant Idoni faces in this case, it is hereby ordered that Defendant Idoni’s motion to permit international travel is denied,” the judge wrote.
On Wednesday, Idoni told WUSA9 she was planning one final appeal to Kollar-Kotelly in a personal letter. She said her flight was scheduled to leave Wednesday evening, and that, despite the judge’s order, she had “packed for it in faith.”
Restrictions on travel are a normal part of release conditions even where no bond is required, but judges can and do allow exceptions. Last year, attorney Kira Anne West successfully petitioned U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan to allow her client Alex Harkrider – currently under indictment on multiple felony charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including allegedly entering the building with a tomahawk – to travel to Louisiana to work as a relief volunteer following Hurricane Ida.
In another Capitol riot case, U.S. District Judge Thomas McFadden controversially allowed Texas realtor Jenny Cudd to travel to Riviera Maya, Mexico, for a “work-related bonding retreat.” Cudd’s attorneys, Farheena Siddiqui and Marina Medvin, argued she was compliant with her terms of release and was an “established member of her community.” At the time, Cudd was also indicted on a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding. She later pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building and was sentenced to two months of probation and a $5,000 fine.
Judges haven’t signed off on every travel request for Capitol riot defendants, however. In January, Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell denied a request by Anthony Williams, of Michigan, to travel to Jamaica to visit his girlfriend’s family.
Idoni and her nine co-defendants were due back in court for a status hearing before Kollar-Kotelly on April 29. | 2022-04-13T19:19:49Z | www.wusa9.com | Judge blocks anti-abortion activist's relief trip to Ukraine | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/judge-denies-anti-abortion-activists-request-to-join-ukraine-mission-heather-idoni-lauren-handy-fetus/65-f4320ff2-d495-4ae9-8e85-4d2dca896a9a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/judge-denies-anti-abortion-activists-request-to-join-ukraine-mission-heather-idoni-lauren-handy-fetus/65-f4320ff2-d495-4ae9-8e85-4d2dca896a9a |
Judge blocks Ukraine relief trip for anti-abortion activist
A 49-year-old man was found dead in his Pomfret home, with 124 snakes — both venomous and nonvenomous. Venomous snakes are illegal to own as pets in Maryland.
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired in January 2021, when news broke about the Charles County man's death.
The Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore confirmed that a man who was found dead in his house in January died of "snake envenomation."
The news was released from the Charles County Sheriff's Department Wednesday, when the department identified the man as David Riston. He was 49 when he died.
Riston was found dead at his home located in the 5500 block of Raphael Drive in Pomfret on Jan. 19. Police said he was surrounded by 124 venomous and nonvenomous snakes.
A neighbor had called 911 and told authorities that he hadn't seen Riston in more than a day. First responders forced entry through Riston's house and that's when they found him unconscious on the floor with dozens of snakes in the house located in tanks and on racks.
Jennifer Harris, a spokesperson for Charles County Animal Control told WUSA9 on Jan. 20 that it was the largest collection of snakes Ed Tucker, the chief of Charles County Animal Control, had ever encountered in his more than 30 years of experience.
Animal control called for assistance from reptile experts in Virginia and North Carolina as its team was bagging the snakes. The largest snake found in the house was a 14-foot Burmese python.
Venomous snakes are illegal to own in the state of Maryland.
Montgomery County homeowner used coal to get rid of snake problem. The house went up in flamesssss
4-foot python found near playground in Greenbelt, police bodycam records the capture | 2022-04-13T19:20:01Z | www.wusa9.com | Cause of death announced in death of man in home with 100+ snakes | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/charles-county-mans-death-connected-to-the-100-snakes-found-in-his-home-medical-examiner/65-dab61c1b-fa49-45c5-9814-5221a8e124cc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/charles-county-mans-death-connected-to-the-100-snakes-found-in-his-home-medical-examiner/65-dab61c1b-fa49-45c5-9814-5221a8e124cc |
ACLU DC announced a settlement with federal law enforcement after multiple lawsuits from 2020 Lafayette Square protests.
Author: Nathan Baca (WUSA9)
WASHINGTON — U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Secret Service announced policy changes Wednesday to partially settle a lawsuit filed by Black Lives Matter advocates after protesters were tear-gassed in order to clear Lafayette Square back in 2020.
On June 1, 2020, D.C. was reeling from the murder of George Floyd, and protesters took to the streets to make their voices heard. Moments after addressing the nation from the Rose Garden, then-President Donald Trump left the White House to visit St. John's Church, a 200-year-old parish known as "the church of the presidents." To prepare for the president's surprise visit, a group of peaceful protesters in a nearby park were cleared out of the area using stinger ball grenades and larger tear gas canisters.
A coalition of civil rights groups and individual protesters sued the US Park Police and US Secret Service for their handling of the protesters.
The settlement resolves portions of four separate lawsuits after nearly two years of litigation on behalf of Black Lives Matter D.C. and 13 individual protesters by the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the law firms of Arnold & Porter; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; and Regan Zambri Long.
Policy changes listed in the settlement and pointed out by ACLU DC include:
Protecting the right to demonstrate by providing that Park Police cannot revoke demonstration permits absent “clear and present danger to the public safety,” or “widespread violations of applicable law that pose significant threat of injury to persons or property;”
Protecting demonstrators by requiring Park Police to enable the safe withdrawal of demonstrators if a protest is being dispersed;
Protecting demonstrators by requiring Park Police to provide audible warnings before dispersing a crowd;
Promoting accountability by requiring Park Police to wear clearly visible identification;
Protecting demonstrators from intimidation by prohibiting Park Police from displaying gas masks and shields at protests, unless approved by a high-ranking officer;
Prohibiting discriminatory policing based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or viewpoint.
Reducing the opportunity for "guilt-by-association" policing by modifying Secret Service policy to make clear that uses of force and dispersals are not normally justified by the unlawful conduct of some individuals in a crowd.
“The federal government is committed to the highest standards for protecting civil rights and civil liberties in any federal law enforcement response to public demonstrations,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “These changes to agency policies for protest responses will strengthen our commitment to protecting and respecting constitutionally protected rights,” Gupta added in a statement.
ACLU D.C.'s Scott Michelman called the settlement an "important victory for freedom of speech" and "freedom of dissent."
"We were able to get the Park Police to agree that only officials of a certain rank could authorize the use of CS gas," Michelman said. "And only officials of a certain rank could authorize the donning of gas masks and riot gear."
“From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the White House sidewalk, the National Park Service takes immense pride in caring for some of our nation’s most storied civic spaces,” said Director Chuck Sams of the National Park Service in a statement. “We hope this updated policy can serve as a model for others to uphold civil rights and facilitate safe demonstrations. It is good for the public and good for our officers. The United States Park Police is committed to ensuring people can gather safely to express our most fundamental and cherished right to free speech. This updated policy is designed to be accessible and understandable to both our officers and the public, further strengthening that commitment.”
Michelman warned that future administrations could always choose to reverse policies or make amendments.
"This is not a consent decree that is enforceable by a court," he said. "However, with policies like this, they have the power to change an institution's culture to change it to change just the way they do business."
'Health impacts for those exposed' | House Oversight demands answers from tear gas manufacturers
MPD admits it used tear gas on Lafayette Park protesters in June 2020
Acting US Park Police chief defends clearing protesters from Lafayette Park | 2022-04-13T22:22:08Z | www.wusa9.com | Policing policy changes coming after BLM lawsuit settlement | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/tear-gas-lafayette-park-park-policy-policy-change/65-84cdeb4f-bcda-417c-8049-5805098c2409 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/tear-gas-lafayette-park-park-policy-policy-change/65-84cdeb4f-bcda-417c-8049-5805098c2409 |
Police say 15-year-old Malachi Jackson died on Monday night when he was shot and killed along the 3000 block of 13th Street NW in Columbia Heights.
Police say, Malachi Jackson, who attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, died on Monday night when he was shot and killed along the 3000 block of 13th Street NW in Columbia Heights.
According to Jackson's family, the 15-year-old was out for a jog at the time of the shooting. Some family members believe he may have been targeted by a rival group.
As of Wednesday night, police said no arrests had been made and the case remained under investigation.
So far this year, D.C. has recorded 46 homicides. Of those 46, six have involved teenage victims. Jackson became the youngest of all homicide victims in D.C. with his death late Monday.
On Wednesday, Malachi's grandmother spoke to WUSA9 about the tragedy's impact on her family.
"It's hurtful. It's painful. We're confused," Alvoncia Jackson said. "When you lose someone tragically like this, it makes you realize and understand what you have right in front of you.”
Jackson focused on how other teenagers have also been victims of violent crimes this year, while others have been arrested in connection to them.
According to the grandmother, more must be done to stop additional teens from dying in the streets.
"We have more babies nowadays out here being murdered," she said. "I don’t care who you are, where you are from, what race you’re from, the ethnicity you are. It’s about an innocent child being taken away from loved ones.”
Two days after the shooting, Jackson said she was continuing to organize a funeral and special memorial service for her grandson.
Aside from people speaking about Malachi's life at the memorial service, she hoped to host a roundtable with activists and others about violence in D.C. and what must be done to stop further crime.
"I want Mayor Bowser to know that we are here, we’re not going anywhere. We’re taking a stand. This has to stop," Jackson said. "There are innocent kids being killed on her streets. What is she going to do about it? We need her to come and speak.”
Jackson also planned to extend an invitation to MPD Chief Robert Contee to attend the service, which she said would be held on April 23 at the site where Malachi died.
Moving forward, she hoped more parents could step up and help their children avoid being close to danger.
"We need to go to these schools. We need to get more involved as parents," Jackson said. "We’re losing our children. Nobody is going to be involved if we don’t get involved.”
For now, losing Malachi has left a deep wound in her.
She hopes to honor his legacy by raising awareness about the need to stop crime.
"It’s for all the mothers that lost their child. It’s for the parents and grandparents that lost their grandkids," the grandmother said. "He left an imprint in my heart. I just love him and I’m going to miss him dearly."
RELATED: 'They took my rock from me' | 15-year-old boy becomes youngest DC homicide victim of 2022
RELATED: Assaults on Metro skyrocketed in 2021; even though ridership plummeted | 2022-04-14T02:58:28Z | www.wusa9.com | Grandmother of teen murdered in DC calls for mayor to take action | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/teenager-homicide-dc-columbia-heights-mayor-bowser-crime/65-45c2aabe-e677-4251-a9b3-b7de7d83ba11 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/teenager-homicide-dc-columbia-heights-mayor-bowser-crime/65-45c2aabe-e677-4251-a9b3-b7de7d83ba11 |
Investigators in Charles County say a man pulled a gun and fired at a woman holding a baby in an apartment.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight in the 3000 block of Gallery Place in the Waldorf area, according to Diane Richardson with the Charles County Sheriff's Office. A preliminary investigation found that a man knocked on a door of an apartment there, and a woman holding a baby answered.
Richardson said the man got angry pulled a gun and fired a shot. The round struck the 8-month-old in the hand. No one else was injured, according to the sheriff's office. The baby was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that do not appear life-threatening.
Investigators are still searching for the shooter in this case. They believe the suspect is known to someone in the apartment, but are still working to identify the man, Richardson said. They are still working to determine what exactly led up to the man firing on the woman and baby.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and Charles County Sheriff's deputies have not released any additional information. | 2022-04-14T10:22:18Z | www.wusa9.com | 8-month-old baby shot in Charles County, authorities say | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/baby-shot-in-waldorf-according-to-charles-county-sheriffs-office/65-f3b05524-9265-4a54-897d-bb5cd7e71822 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/baby-shot-in-waldorf-according-to-charles-county-sheriffs-office/65-f3b05524-9265-4a54-897d-bb5cd7e71822 |
"I recommend to the Commanders that they come here, but whether they come here or not, we’re going to develop our community," Alsobrooks said.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Gov. Larry Hogan joined Prince George's County officials on Wednesday to announce that lawmakers secured $2.5 billion in aid for development around the county.
“Our county has taken huge steps forward that we can all be Prince George’s proud of,” County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said.
Hogan called the investment — which is the largest sum the state has ever secured for Prince George's County in a single legislative session — a "game-changer."
The money will go to a number of development projects, the biggest of all of the projects is developing the areas around the Blue Line Corridor, which would cost $400 million. The aim of the development is to make the area a "major hub for businesses, education, and the arts," a news release from the governor's office says.
I stood with Governor Hogan and members of our State Delegation to announce that we have brought home an historic $2.5 billion in State aid to Prince George’s County, the most ever during a single legislative session in Annapolis. pic.twitter.com/ZeXnuv47YF
Both Hogan and Alsobrooks were clear that the development around the Blue Line would go forward whether or not the Washington Commanders decide to stay in Prince George's County.
The focus of the investment is in the people, not the Commanders, Alsobrooks said.
"For far too long, the communities along the Blue Line Corridor have been forgotten," she said.
The Commanders' lease at FedExField in Landover — where Washington's NFL team has played since 1997 — expires in five years.
“We’re not building a stadium for that team,” Hogan told reporters, reiterating his previous stance that the state will not use money to help build a new stadium.
RELATED: Prince George's County leaders urge Snyder not to move Commanders stadium to Virginia
Alsobrooks spoke about how the $400 million will likely be used, saying projects could include a new amphitheater, library, cultural center, sports field house, a civic plaza and a market hall.
“I recommend to the Commanders that they come here, but whether they come here or not, we’re going to develop our community,” Alsobrooks said.
Today I joined @CEXAlsobrooks in Prince George’s County to mark the advancement of a transformational project to create more jobs and economic development along the Blue Line Corridor. pic.twitter.com/wexFOXEjb3
There is also $200 million in aid the county has for the possibility of the FBI relocating its headquarters to Prince George's County and developing the area around where the headquarters would be located. A statement from the county executive says $100 million for this investment is preauthorized for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and $100 million is preauthorized in the FY 2025 budget.
Hogan spoke confidently about the FBI coming to Prince George's County saying, it's “not 'if' but 'when' FBI headquarters comes here.” Hogan said the headquarters would bring about 7,500 new jobs to the area.
This announcement comes one week after the governor joined Alsobrooks to break ground on a $40 million new cancer center that will be located in Largo, and is likely to open in spring 2024.
When we started this legislative session, we promised Prince Georgians that we would deliver on a set of priorities that would help us secure a brighter future for all residents.
The funding will also be used to build more affordable housing in the area and improve infrastructure.
Officials all spoke supportively about the team effort it took to secure the funding for Prince George's County residents.
“Governor, we’re creating [more opportunities for] the state’s most vulnerable with the budget we just created," State Sen. Melony Griffith of District 25 said. "If we look excited it’s because we are."
We want to thank Governor Hogan and our State Delegation for helping us deliver on many of these critical priorities for Prince Georgians, which will support transformational economic growth and long-awaited entertainment and amenities for our residents.
Hogan, who was born in Prince George's County, said, “A strong Maryland depends on a strong Prince George’s County.”
Hogan noted that he was a son of a former Prince George's County Executive, the late Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who was in office from 1978 to 1982.
Despite his familial ties to the office, the governor had high praise for Alsobrooks' leadership.
“I can’t remember a better county executive than Angela Alsobrooks,” he said.
The praise was reciprocated from Prince George's County officials to Hogan.
Councilmember Calvin Hawkins praised the governor for helping secure the record funding for Prince George's County.
"Our native son stepped up beyond measure," he said.
RELATED: 'Good luck' | Hogan says Maryland won't get into a bidding war with Virginia over new Commanders stadium site | 2022-04-14T10:22:24Z | www.wusa9.com | Prince George's County announces projects for Blue Line Corridor | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hogan-alsobrooks-blue-line-corridor-funding-is-for-prince-georges-county-people-not-washington-commanders/65-e5201964-0506-4271-906d-e74ea4a9109e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/hogan-alsobrooks-blue-line-corridor-funding-is-for-prince-georges-county-people-not-washington-commanders/65-e5201964-0506-4271-906d-e74ea4a9109e |
His seasonally-inspired menu includes a rotation of indigenous specialties and seafood delicacies, fresh vegetables and cheeses, all sourced within a 20-mile radius.
ST MICHAELS, Md. — One talented chef honing his craft out of a luxury resort in St. Michaels, Maryland has been acknowledged as the "Chef of the Year" by the state's restaurant association.
Chef Gregory James is known for spearheading the culinary experience at the Inn at Perry Cabin’s onsite fine-dining restaurant, Stars. James regularly creates seasonally inspired menus that include a rotation of indigenous specialties and seafood delicacies, fresh vegetables picked from the Inn’s garden and regional fresh cheeses, all sourced from local farmers within a 20-mile radius, according to the restaurant.
“I’m humbled and honored to be selected amongst so many incredible chefs across the state of Maryland,” James stated. “My goal is to always honor the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay with a light touch that unlocks the food's natural profile.”
The four-star hotel and waterfront restaurant sit right on the bay and remain a luxurious vacation destination for many locals across the DMV.
A post shared by Inn at Perry Cabin (@innatperrycabin)
The Restaurant Association of Maryland, which acknowledged James, is the only trade association that represents every segment of the foodservice industry in Maryland. They say that James was recognized for his "sustainable approach to modern cuisine – taking into account the circle of life for the ingredients – he employs a nose-to-tail approach that uses every part of the animal or fish, either in the secret sauce or as an unexpected ingredient adding surprising flavors to the signature dish."
The restaurant distinguishes James' signature dishes as Wild Caught Rock Fish paired with Martelli rice, smoked oysters, clams, tiny vegetables, and a velvety carrot emulsion; as well as the St. Michael’s “Scotch” Egg with a unique twist on the traditional dish, which includes fresh Maryland crab, Cottingham Farm’s eggs, baby leeks, asparagus, maitake mushrooms and imperial sauce.
A post shared by Gregory James (@chefgregoryjames)
Click here to see the chef and crew's sample dinner tasting menu, served daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Credit: The Inn at Perry Cabin
The award is not James' first acknowledgment. According to the restaurant, over the course of his career, James has received countless awards and accolades including being named a world finalist in the 2014 World Food Championships and the “Top Chef” in the 2016 Flavors of the West Culinary Competition. He has also worked at various resorts and restaurants from Arizona to Minnesota.
DC chefs throw down for a good cause at Capital Food Fight | 2022-04-14T16:04:38Z | www.wusa9.com | MD 'Chef of the Year' award goes to St. Michaels resort chef | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-st-michaels-inn-at-perry-cabin-chef-awarded-marylands-chef-of-the-year/65-79cf5f86-f36a-4982-9abb-9b9b22d25f5e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-st-michaels-inn-at-perry-cabin-chef-awarded-marylands-chef-of-the-year/65-79cf5f86-f36a-4982-9abb-9b9b22d25f5e |
The woman who did not share her name says she filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Police Department and wants someone held accountable.
The woman has lived at Thayer and Spring in downtown Silver Spring for just under a year. On Tuesday, she says she was approached by three non-uniformed Montgomery County Police officers.
“As three strange people approached me, naturally I just stated this is not my name and continued to keep walking,” she said.
She says she did not understand what was happening in the moment, nor did she understand that the men were officers.
“I kind of realized something was off, but still no one had addressed themselves as officers or explained what exactly was happening," she said. "So, when I'm cornered at this point, I'm like, ‘Oh, let me give them something to prove that I'm not this name that they keep referring to me as.' But honestly, what was really running through my mind was 'I hope they don't kill me. I hope that this doesn't go so far that I end up in the back of the car and in somebody's station.'"
Tonight at 6 on .@wusa9, we hear from a Silver Spring woman who was wrongfully detained and handcuffed by .@mcpnews. Police are also saying she was not their suspect. Tune in to find out how this mistake happened. pic.twitter.com/dTukEUSUNC
Montgomery County Police sent the following statement to WUSA9:
“Detectives were involved in a human trafficking investigation, which still remains ongoing. The individual, in this case, was detained and placed in handcuffs based on information that she was a wanted suspect. After a few minutes, Detectives determined that she was not the wanted person we were looking for. A supervisor on scene spoke with the individual and explained why she was detained, and was provided with the investigator's information (name and phone) and a case number. Generally speaking, officers are not required to advise someone of their Miranda rights until they are interrogating a suspect who is in custody. Because this is still an active human trafficking investigation, we can not provide much further information on the intended suspect and the nature of the case.”
The woman said she is scarred mentally from the fear of what-ifs.
“You can't do anything, all your power is stripped from you," she said. "I can't do anything. My words are not enough. I'm telling you something, that's not enough. I have evidence and it's not enough. So, if none of that is enough what is?”
She’s since filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Police Department and is hoping someone is held accountable, so it doesn’t happen to anyone else.
“The apologies from all the officers that I saw were disgustingly nonchalant," she said. 'It was referred to as an inconvenience. That's a traumatic event. That's a ridiculous and horrible proof of sheer negligence of officer's not doing their due diligence. And to me, I think that's completely inappropriate to be diminished as an inconvenience to my afternoon."
RELATED: Judge orders accused fake federal cops released pending trial before giving prosecutors more time | 2022-04-14T22:45:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Woman files complaint against MCPD after wrongful detainment | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/woman-claims-wrongly-detained-handcuffed-apartment-lobby-files-a-complaint/65-7f1be6e7-c8c3-4936-bdf5-3deaf4ed1604 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/woman-claims-wrongly-detained-handcuffed-apartment-lobby-files-a-complaint/65-7f1be6e7-c8c3-4936-bdf5-3deaf4ed1604 |
Items include works by Picasso and highlight her love of the opera and Southwestern U.S.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A rare opportunity exists to purchase a piece of art history that was once owned by an icon of American history.
More than 150 items owned and displayed by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her Watergate home and SCOTUS chambers will be auctioned off on April 27 and 28.
"The Kennedy Center, the Washington National Opera and the family selected us to sell the over 150 objects that have been donated from her estate to raise money for the Kennedy Center," said Elizabeth Haynie-Wainstein, owner of the Potomack Company auction house in Alexandria, Virginia.
Among the items are a mink coat RBG would wear when attending the opera. Her name is discretely stitched in the coat pocket. There's also a glass vase commemorating her presence at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
"All of these proceeds will go to the Washington National Opera which was her great passion," said Haynie-Wainstein. "She was famous for going with Justice Scalia. The two of them would attend the opera together. Put aside their judicial and political differences and go and enjoy."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous sense of humor, as well as her impeccable taste, shine through in her collection of modern art and memorabilia. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Chambers & Home will be brought to auction on 28 April on Invaluable via Potomack Company: https://t.co/YCEgQou9ph pic.twitter.com/O6DyjJEsmc
— Invaluable (@InvaluableLive) April 13, 2022
"A lot of pieces are from her home and her chambers that are personal pieces that reflect her life," said Haynie-Wainstein.
Many of the items include gifts to Bader-Ginsburg from speaking engagements like a tiger statue from the LSU law school.
"Whenever you walk into someone's home it's revealing of their life and their passions and their esthetic interests," said Haynie-Wainstein. "One thing we noticed is she had a lot of Native American pieces and so as we began to research and think about it, it all made sense because she loved the opera and loved spending her summers in Santa Fe (New Mexico) where they have an outdoor opera."
The two auctions will take place over two days. The first is RBG's collection of modern art and the second will include a collection of items donated from her home and chambers.
The Potomack Company is loosely estimating the auctions could raise $50,000 to $80,000 or perhaps even more. The items begin at $50 and some, like the Picasso pieces, are valued at over $10,000.
To see the items up for auction and information on bidding click HERE.
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The new book 'DC Go-Go, Ten Years Backstage' brings you behind the scenes with photographer Chip Py. | 2022-04-15T00:21:18Z | www.wusa9.com | Ruth Bader Ginsburg's art collection up for auction | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/open-mic/rbg-art-auction-alexandria-ruth-bader-ginsburg/65-10afbff1-487b-453e-9e8e-61d0f0264c98 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/open-mic/rbg-art-auction-alexandria-ruth-bader-ginsburg/65-10afbff1-487b-453e-9e8e-61d0f0264c98 |
Chris and Julie Caputo are excited about returning to the D.C. area after Chris was named GWU's men's basketball coach.
WASHINGTON — George Washington University has a new coach at the helm of the men’s basketball program. But Chris Caputo is no stranger to the D.C. area.
Caputo was an assistant coach under Jim Larranaga at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, for nine seasons before spending the past 11 years as an assistant under Coach Larranaga at the University of Miami. Chris Caputo and his wife Julie Caputo, are excited to return to Washington.
“You know getting off the plane and taking I-395 into town, and you sort of think about, 'Wow this is real' and obviously it’s exciting to be back," said Chris.
His wife added that the life of a coach can feel nomadic.
"I think as a coach’s spouse, to not feel like you’re starting over, and to know the area and to know the people, it’s really an incredible feeling to be coming back," she said.
Caputo has spent 20 seasons as an assistant men's college basketball coach. This will be his first as a head coach.
“When you go from being a 20-year suggester of things, and then you go home and put your head in the pillow, and say well I’ve made some good suggestions tonight, to now becoming the actual decision-maker where everything falls on you," Chris Caputo said. "But I think I’ve been well prepared by Coach Larranaga all these years, but I’ve always tried to think like a head coach, I think that’s the thing for all assistants. This all falls on me now, so I’ve got to be thoughtful as I go through my decision-making process."
"We can attract the best and brightest to GW ... 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟."
- @coach_c_caputo #RaiseHigh pic.twitter.com/s5d8sQg4wd
— GW Men's Basketball (@GW_MBB) April 14, 2022
Julie Caputo has been his biggest supporter throughout his coaching career, and while he feels pressure as the one in charge now, she also feels nervous whenever she watches him coach.
“I wish I could say that I was not," she said. "But I really don’t think there’s a coach’s wife out there that doesn’t get nervous."
But Julie Caputo is used to seeing her husband win. In his time with George Mason University and at the University of Miami, he’s been to the NCAA Tournament seven times, famously taking George Mason to the Final Four in 2006, and most recently helping to guide Miami to the Elite 8 last month.
“I think everybody gets into college basketball to participate in the NCAA Tournament, it's such a special event," Chris Caputo said. "I'm honored to be a part of it throughout the years, playing deep into it several times, and George Washington has done it here and gone to the sweet 16. It's a place that’s had some success and bitten the NCAA tournament, so we’re going to work to get us back."
Chris Caputo is already busy in his first week with a new program.
"It sounds like a cliché but [my goal] is to really just to have daily improvements," he said. "As you take over a new program you are sort of assessing a lot of different things and trying to see what we can improve upon, what we can look at as a strength."
Off the court, the Caputos are parents to two little girls, Lily and Charlotte.
#RaiseHigh pic.twitter.com/PFpifXQrOs
— Chris Caputo (@coach_c_caputo) April 12, 2022
“I think the thing I’m most excited about is raising our kids here," Juie Caputo said. "I mean could you ask a better place to raise your children? You know my daughter, just the other day, we took her to the White House to see it, and she goes 'I don’t want to be a princess, I want to be president' and I was like you can do that."
Their daughters will finish the school year in Florida and the couple plans to make D.C. their permanent home this Summer.
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡
Inside yesterday's introductory day for @coach_c_caputo
📰: https://t.co/VC0TcRXJsw#RaiseHigh
TPC Potomac hosting 2022 Wells Fargo Championship - Here's how to see the top PGA golfers up close | 2022-04-15T00:21:55Z | www.wusa9.com | Meet George Washington University's new basketball coach | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/basketball/new-gwu-mens-basketball-coach-chris-caputo/65-83750c2c-5cef-4c02-bf9c-634afdc74df4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/basketball/new-gwu-mens-basketball-coach-chris-caputo/65-83750c2c-5cef-4c02-bf9c-634afdc74df4 |
Faith and family history draw Douglas Fairbanks to the iconic skyline seen on the Capital Beltway. He's excited for tours to start April 28.
KENSINGTON, Md. — If anyone has ever been grateful to be backed up on the Capital Beltway in Maryland, maybe it's for the chance to stop and take a second look at the iconic Washington D.C. Temple just off Interstate 495.
By the end of April, the temple — many know as the D.C. Mormon Temple — will open to people who aren't members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to celebrate a recent renovation.
It's only the second time the temple will welcome the public since it opened in Kensington in 1974.
One of the members welcoming visitors is a young man with a special bond with the famous building through his family's faith and history — Douglas Fairbanks.
It is unlikely anyone appreciates D.C.'s Mormon Temple more than Douglas Fairbanks who actually likes the drive down 495 just to see the landmark that has helped him and his family find their way over the past couple of years.
"We drive by at least once a week, oftentimes more frequently than that," said his Galen Fairbanks, father of Douglas.
Douglas, who lives with autism, is known for his greetings at the temple where he and his family worship.
Renovations dragged out by the pandemic closed the temple and cut off his favorite way to connect with others.
That's when Douglas Fairbanks and his father started their drive-by visits.
"We would sit just outside the gate and look at the visitor center and look at the temple," said Galen Fairbanks. "It makes me very happy that he feels that connection with the temple."
A connection Douglas Fairbanks shares with his father and a man born two generations before him.
Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' DC Temple
Douglas Fairbanks and his father Galen Fairbanks are excited to see the opening of the DC Temple. Galen Fairbank's great grandfather, Avard Fairbanks helped construct the gilded statue that sits atop the temple known as Angel Moroni.
You can see sculptures constructed by Douglas' great grandfather, Avard Fairbanks, all around D.C. But the most special sculpture for the Fairbanks family is the one that sits atop the iconic D.C. Temple — the gilded statue known as Angel Moroni.
In the Book of Mormon, Angel Moroni is the angel who visited Joseph Smith and presented him with golden plates.
"I think my grandfather would be pleased that his artwork is still inspiring people to this day and that. And that the faith of our fathers continues on and multiple generations," Galen Fairbanks said.
Credit: he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' D.C. Temple
Avard Fairbanks helped construct the the gilded statue known as Angel Moron that has sat atop the D.C. Temple since 1974.
"It's a great opportunity to have some father-son bonding time, and it's a great opportunity for us to communicate even in his limited way."
A sculpture that is seen by so many that is continuing to help mold this relationship in private.
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"Being Douglas' father has helped me to be a more Christ-like person and strive for that in my life," Galen Fairbanks said.
Public tours start on April 28 and they're free. Everyone is welcome.
You'll just need to reserve a time online at dctemple.org. | 2022-04-15T01:53:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Why one family is excited to tour DC Mormon Temple in Kensington | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/the-story-behind-the-gilded-angel-moroni-statue-seen-atop-the-dc-mormon-temple-lds/65-00dff9a8-9c14-44c0-ae82-6f21e15cce1b | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/the-story-behind-the-gilded-angel-moroni-statue-seen-atop-the-dc-mormon-temple-lds/65-00dff9a8-9c14-44c0-ae82-6f21e15cce1b |
'Make it make sense' | Prince George's County residents express frustration in community meeting addressing crime increase
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"I think we come up with the best solutions sometimes when we have this kind of tension present," County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said.
SUITLAND, Md. — A meeting to address the increase in violent crimes in Prince George's County was interrupted when residents spoke up to express their frustration.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and other government officials including the police chief held a community meeting to have a conversation about the crime and programs in the works to help curb the problem.
Residents interested in attending had to register.
Closer to the end, tensions at the meeting escalated when a few residents spoke up as the panel of officials was in the middle of talking.
"I don't want to hear this dog-and-pony show!" one resident yelled.
Among the people who spoke up was 32-year-old Antonio Mingo, a father of two and gun violence survivor. He said his outburst was over the lack of changes and voices needed from the community.
"We're frustrated about not getting the help that is being said is the help," Mingo told WUSA9. "I feel like more could be done."
Darlene Rainey, whose son was killed years ago, also spoke up.
"The system is broken," Rainey said. "Some things work and some things don't. Fix what is broken don't sit up here and shoot us a bunch of crap."
HEATED MOMENT: Tension escalated when residents spoke out in the middle of the community meeting with Prince George’s County over crime in the community.
“This is a dog and pony show!” @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/JSKv3sbq3f
Violent crimes in the county have grown tremendously over the years, specifically youth carjackings.
New data from the Prince George's County Police Department showed there was a 35% increase in murders between 2021 and 2020.
The number of robberies has seen a 30% jump so far this year compared to the same time frame the year before. That could be said about carjackings when the increase went up by 46%.
Just last week, police released surveillance video of a Capitol Heights woman attacked while she trying to carry in groceries from her car.
During the meeting, officials detailed a number of intervention programs and investments in the county including a mental health care facility opening in July, an increase in budget for education, summer youth enrichment and Hope In Action, a new initiative to fund nonprofit organizations.
Alsbrooks acknowledged the frustration from residents.
"We need diverse opinions and we need individuals who are caring in this community," Alsobrooks said. "I think we come up with the best solutions sometimes when we have this kind of tension present."
She and other leaders stressed how solutions should not only come from the government, but community as a whole, especially when it comes to addressing youth violence.
"The bulk of carjackings are committed by children," she said. "We need their parents and family members and community members to be engaged. This is not just a government solution."
RELATED: Woman points gun at victim's head during car test drive, police say | 2022-04-15T08:42:50Z | www.wusa9.com | Residents express anger over crime spike in Prince George's Co. | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/residents-in-prince-georges-county-express-frustration-over-increase-in-violent-crimes/65-37e29897-2c29-42c7-9837-6a8137101c54 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/residents-in-prince-georges-county-express-frustration-over-increase-in-violent-crimes/65-37e29897-2c29-42c7-9837-6a8137101c54 |
9:30 Club, The Anthem and other IMP-owned venues will still allow artists to require fans to be vaccinated.
WASHINGTON — Some D.C. concert venues owned by I.M.P. have altered their COVID-19 vaccination policies that have been in place since October.
I.M.P. owns 9:30 Club, The Anthem, Lincoln Theatre and Merriweather Post Pavilion. In a statement, spokesperson Audrey Fix Schaefer cited an increase in vaccinations against the virus, and a fall in hospitalizations for the change.
"Thankfully the vast majority of people in our area are vaccinated and hospitalizations and worse outcomes have plummeted," Schaefer said in an email statement to WUSA9. We request staff be fully vaccinated and require that they wear masks on the job. "We encourage patrons to be vaccinated and wear masks, but we’re following government guidance and not requiring it. If an artist requires patrons to be vaccinated and/or masked, we naturally comply with their request, and inform ticket buyers as soon as is possible."
I.M.P.'s venues previously required concertgoers to show proof of vaccination to attend events.
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While there has been a slight uptick in cases and D.C. and Arlington, Schaefer said I.M.P. continues to keep a close eye on the virus and the latest information.
"We have always approached this using the best information available. Like workers going back to their offices or people flying or taking trains, people are mitigating the virus’s impact with vaccines, which are plentiful and accessible for free in this country. We hope people continue to keep up to date on the science and do what’s right for themselves and their families."
Not all venues in D.C. have rolled back their policies, however. The Black Cat and Union Stage still require proof of vaccination to attend shows. Be sure to check a venue's website for the most up to date information. | 2022-04-15T10:55:56Z | www.wusa9.com | IMP DC venues roll back vaccination proof requirements for shows | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/imp-dc-concert-venues-change-vaccination-proof-requirements/65-345ab98e-bc69-4fbb-b3e0-61e1baef6ad9 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/imp-dc-concert-venues-change-vaccination-proof-requirements/65-345ab98e-bc69-4fbb-b3e0-61e1baef6ad9 |
Germantown man stopped at Dulles Airport with bat meat in luggage
Police say a man was found shot in the 1500 block of Good Hope Road SE early Friday.
WASHINGTON — A man is dead after he was found shot in Southeast D.C. early Friday morning.
A Metropolitan Police Department watch commander in D.C.'s 7th District said a citizen called 911 to report the man shot in the 1500 block of Good Hope Road.
When a patrol unit arrived on the scene, they found a man suffering potentially fatal injuries. Police say aid was rendered, but the man was pronounced dead on the scene.
No arrests have been made, and investigators have not offered any information about a suspect or possible motive for this shooting.
Anyone who may have information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
The victim in this case has not yet been identified by police. | 2022-04-15T10:56:02Z | www.wusa9.com | Police investigate deadly Good Hope Road shooting | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/good-hope-road-se-deadly-shooting-police-investigation/65-5230f0e8-c724-4fdd-9e2e-5f868509d87c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/good-hope-road-se-deadly-shooting-police-investigation/65-5230f0e8-c724-4fdd-9e2e-5f868509d87c |
Officials say they believe 23-year-old Mikiyas Maryie Kefyalew of Piney Branch is the individual who sold the pills to the teen.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — (Editors Note: The video above is from April 13, 2022)
A Maryland man is now facing a charge of one count of Distribution of a Narcotic in connection with a Fentanyl Overdose death that killed a 16-year-old back in January of 2022.
On Jan 17, 2022, Montgomery County Police and Rockville City Police went to the 6100 block of Massachusetts Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland, when police arrived they found a 16-year-old male dead inside of the home.
While inside the home, police found evidence that indicated that the teen may have suffered a fatal overdose with what could have been counterfeit Percocet Pills, according to police.
Police were able to definitively say later when the Office of Chief Medical Examiner was able to determine the cause of death to be from Fentanyl Intoxication. Additionally, suspected counterfeit pills discovered in the victim’s room tested positive as Fentanyl.
Kefyalew was arrested on April 14, 2022, and charged with one count of Distribution of a Narcotic. Additional charges may be forthcoming as this investigation continues.
Fatal Overdoses have been a big problem around our area. Just recently D.C. had to deal with seven overdoses that killed four people in the Trinidad neighborhood.
ICYMI: 23-year-old Mikiyas Maryie Kefyalew, was charged in
connection With Fentanyl Overdose Death, that killed a 16-year-old child in Montgomery county....
In announcing this arrest, Montgomery County Chief of Police Marcus Jones stated that these pills add another deadly layer to the opiate crisis facing our communities.
He explained how individuals, including young teens, take a drug they believe to have a minimal effect but end up ingesting an extremely deadly substance, Chief Jones said.
Chief Jones went on to explain how even for a first-time user, these pills can be deadly.
Chief Jones said that "This arrest is part of my committed efforts to focus investigative resources toward those who take advantage of our community by selling and providing these deadly substances."
Jones also wanted to thank Rockville City Police department and and other partners for helping with this case.
Additionally, Chief Victor Brito of the Rockville Police Department stated, "Thanks to the continued exemplary partnership with the Montgomery County Police Department, both Rockville and Montgomery County Detectives were able to bring about a successful conclusion to this tragic case. One life lost to opioids is too many, and it is not a problem we will solve overnight, but we will continue to work together to combat this crisis."
Kefyalew is being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is awaiting a bond hearing, the bond hearing occurred on Thursday and he was held without bond. | 2022-04-15T10:56:08Z | www.wusa9.com | MD man charged after teen killed from OD on fake percocet pills | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-charged-with-fatal-fentanyl-od-that-killed-16-year-oldnews/65-9bd2839d-addf-4847-9fe3-c5c590ca65af | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-man-charged-with-fatal-fentanyl-od-that-killed-16-year-oldnews/65-9bd2839d-addf-4847-9fe3-c5c590ca65af |
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — The Prince George's County Health Department says a rabid raccoon was recently found in Clinton, Maryland.
Officials say the rabid animal was found alive but close to death in the 13100 block of Gallahan Road on Monday, April 11. It was described as being light brown with several wounds. The raccoon was sent for rabies testing which came back positive on Wednesday, April 13.
Now, the Health Department is trying to find anyone who may have had contact with the infected animal. If you or anyone you know may have had contact with a raccoon in the area between March 26 and April 11, contact the Health Department immediately at (301) 583-3750.
The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. People are oftentimes infected after a deep bite or scratch. The virus can be prevented by administering four doses of the rabies vaccine over a 14-day period.
“Rabies is often a life-threatening disease; however, it is highly preventable by beginning post-exposure treatment immediately following exposure. Treatment is determined by the type of animal contact and patient assessment,” said Dr. Ernest Carter, Prince George’s County Health Officer. “Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is easily transmissible through a bite of an infected animal. The best method to eliminate the risk of rabies exposure is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. We encourage community members to report any unusual or erratic animal behavior they notice and to avoid handling and feeding any unknown animals in their community.”
Now, her parents are asking the owners to come forward and provide medical information about their dog so Charlie can avoid further treatments. | 2022-04-15T21:42:05Z | www.wusa9.com | Rabid raccoon found in Prince George's County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/rabid-raccoon-captured-prince-georges-county/65-d26652a1-aafd-44d4-a1bd-8fdf40c9793b | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/rabid-raccoon-captured-prince-georges-county/65-d26652a1-aafd-44d4-a1bd-8fdf40c9793b |
"Carjackings are up 47% compared to the same time last year," Asst. Chief Morgan Kane said.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Carjackings and illegal weapons have been a focal point for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In a press conference Friday, Assistant Chief Morgan Kane said, “Citywide robberies are up 58% and carjackings are up 47% compared to the same time last year."
On Wednesday, detectives arrested seven people they believe are connected to a host of crimes. They were charged with receiving stolen property.
“One of the juveniles, a 15-year-old of Lanham, Maryland, was also charged with three armed carjacking offenses that occurred during the spree the day before on April 12th,” Asst. Chief Kane said.
The cars were reportedly stolen from the 300 Block of Upshur Street NW, 500 block of Morse Street, NE, and 1800 block of Vermont Ave, NW.
Asst. Chief Kane added the last 30 days crime has spiked. They said they've seen the crimes increase the most along the U Street Corridor and in Columbia Heights. Sixty-two percent of the robberies they’re seeing have involved guns and a number of the crimes could be connected to the group arrested on Thursday and also hopefully lead them to Bruno.
“I think there's a connection there. We just have to find Bruno," she added. "And again, remember what I said though, there may be other cases that are going to be closed out with the arresting, with a search warrant as the detectives from our Carjacking Task Force continue their investigation, I am confident there'll be other cases that will close."
MPD said they've recovered nearly 800 illegal guns so far this year and believe more cases will be solved with the arrest they made on Thursday.
"I am confident there'll be other cases that will be closed. We have to focus in on those repeat violent offenders and you know, as the chief says, they have to come off the street. They have to go sit down somewhere for a little bit," Kane said.
RELATED: Teens among seven people arrested after detectives find dog reportedly taken at gunpoint
Dog stolen at gunpoint from owner reunited with family, several people arrested Several people have been arrested.The other dog, Bruno, is still missing. https://t.co/ihDNMT9VEB @DCPoliceDept holding a presser now and little Pablo is just a sleeping through it lol pic.twitter.com/Rrz2qYyDn5 | 2022-04-15T21:42:11Z | www.wusa9.com | Metropolitan Police Department: Robberies are up 58% across DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/robberies-in-dc-crime-up-in-dc-pablo-bruno-missing-dogs/65-149cb1e9-4920-423e-91d6-3aff770e76fe | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/robberies-in-dc-crime-up-in-dc-pablo-bruno-missing-dogs/65-149cb1e9-4920-423e-91d6-3aff770e76fe |
Shakira Austin, selected third overall in the WNBA draft, is also an aspiring restaurant owner and fashion designer.
WASHINGTON — With the third overall pick in the WNBA Draft, the Washington Mystics selected Fredericksburg, Virginia native and Riverdale Baptist School alum, Shakira Austin.
The 6-foot-5 center who shined at the University of Maryland before transferring to Ole Miss, is now focused on making a name for herself in D.C., in more ways than one.
“I just couldn’t believe that it was actually happening -- it was surreal,” Austin said. "Definitely just happy, feeling blessed and just really excited to start this journey back at home."
Austin brings skill and size to the Mystics. She’ll be the tallest woman on the team, standing eye to eye with Mystics superstar, Elena Delle Donne.
“I feel like on the offensive end there’s nothing I cant do," Austin said. "I’m trying to get more comfortable with my three ball but I feel like I can go inside, I can go outside, and on the defensive end, I’m able to guard anyone on the floor."
But basketball isn’t Austin's only passion.
“Cooking is something I love to do off the court, and I aspire to one day have my own restaurant," she said. "I'm big on nutrition, and big on wanting to eat healthy. I want to own my own restaurant and I want to have my own farm too, so we’ll see."
Austin jokes that her teammates are often her taste testers, and they’ve never tried a meal of hers they didn’t like.
“I love so many things, there's a wide range of options," she said. "I have chicken pot pie, I have pastas, pot roast, stuffed salmon, stuffed pasta -- I really am just creative with it."
Austin is a young entrepreneur, and her career goals don’t stop at food and basketball.
“You know me being 6’3 in like 7th grade and middle school, it was tough to find stuff to wear that fit, so it kind of just sparked a passion off the court," she said. "It’s just something I taught myself how to do, I taught myself how to sew clothes and it’s just been a dream that lowkey started to grow."
A post shared by Shakira Austin (@curlyhead_kira)
Austin designs and makes clothes for herself and after posting pictures of herself wearing her recently designed clothes on Instagram, she received dozens of messages from other tall girls, inquiring about her fashion.
“I feel like with fashion, it doesn’t have to be expensive or designer, it just has to represent you,” said Austin.
Right now her name is synonymous with basketball, but the 21-year-old has aspirations of putting her name on a restaurant, and a fashion label sometime in the near future.
“I definitely have a lot of goals and dreams outside of just basketball," she said.
When she’s not playing basketball, sewing clothes, or cooking for teammates, Austin likes to go to parks and paint while picnicking with her cat, Katarina. | 2022-04-15T23:18:41Z | www.wusa9.com | Washington Mystics select Shaikra Austin as first draft pick | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/shakira-austin-washington-mystics-draft-pick/65-684e80a4-2adb-445e-9f70-6e34b3e7de34 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/shakira-austin-washington-mystics-draft-pick/65-684e80a4-2adb-445e-9f70-6e34b3e7de34 |
Don't stop talking about Bruno | DC police continue looking for dog stolen at gunpoint
Find Bruno: DC dog stolen at gunpoint remains missing
At least one person was shot at Kiwanis Karnival at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge Friday night.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The Prince William County Police Department is investigating a shooting Friday night at Gar-Field High School.
Police say at least one person is suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
A tweet from PWCPD at 9:50 p.m. Friday says, "One victim with gunshot wound being flown out."
Police tweeted that the age of the victim is unknown. Officers are on the scene investigating.
A carnival, called the "Kiwanis Karnival" was scheduled at the high school from 5 to 11 p.m., featuring rides, games and food.
Woodbridge Kiwanis Club, a chapter of Kiwanis International, sponsors the carnival which was scheduled to take place from April 13 through April 17. This week was spring break for Prince William County Public Schools.
The proceeds from the carnival go to Prince William County organizations like the Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Club, Woodbridge Senior Citizens Center, Action in Community Through Service and Salvation Army. | 2022-04-16T03:59:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Police investigate shooting at carnival in Prince William County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-shooting-at-carnival-at-gar-field-high-in-woodbridge/65-43093039-1cb4-44a5-9b51-08f0bda84289 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-shooting-at-carnival-at-gar-field-high-in-woodbridge/65-43093039-1cb4-44a5-9b51-08f0bda84289 |
On Thursday, DC Police announced they had found the other dog stolen at gunpoint Wednesday, Pablo. But police are still searching for the French Bull Dog, Bruno.
WASHINGTON — DC Police are still looking for one of two dogs who were stolen at gunpoint in Northwest DC Wednesday afternoon.
Bruno, a 14-month-old French Bulldog, was stolen from his owner on the 5400 block of Kansas Avenue Northwest while out on a walk.
DC Police announced Thursday that they had discovered 11-week-old Pablo, an Australian Shepherd, who had been stolen the same day while out on a walk in the District’s Shaw neighborhood.
On Friday, police said they arrested three juveniles for receiving stolen property in connection with the case. The arrests happened at a home on the 1200 block of 18th Place Northeast Thursday after serving a search warrant.
DC Police also suspected members of the group may have been tied to a double shooting on the 2100 block of 4th Street Northeast Wednesday as well.
It remains unclear if the juveniles were directly involved in the theft of Pablo and Bruno.
"That is what the detectives are, as we speak, investigating,” said MPD Assistant Chief Morgan Kane.
You can help #SaveBruno, one of the dogs stolen at gunpoint yesterday in DC.
Two of the most important ways: (1) spreading the word, and (2) donating to Bruno's reward fund: https://t.co/h2bJrjWg2L pic.twitter.com/uSlmLLKj2c
Initially, at a Friday press conference, police said four adults were arrested in connection with Pablo's theft, but the United States Attorney’s Office later announced that it had them go free.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not move forward today with charges against the four adults who were arrested,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in an email to WUSA9. “The investigation is continuing.”
That news disappointed Bruno’s owner, Jamaica Harvey. She said she hoped Bruno would be found in the same Northeast DC house Pablo was discovered in on Thursday since police suspected both dogs’ cases were tied to one another.
“The further that time slips away from me, I get a little discouraged,” she said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for a reward purposed for Bruno’s return. It has already raised more than $3,000.
"I love the support,” Harvey said. “I appreciate the support. I'm overwhelmed."
She said despite the passage of time, she still holds hope that she will be reunited with Bruno soon.
“We still have to find Bruno,” she said.
MPD asks if anyone knows anything about Bruno’s whereabouts that they contact their offices at (202) 727-9099. | 2022-04-16T03:59:59Z | www.wusa9.com | We Don't Talk Enough About Bruno: DC dog stolen remains missing | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/find-bruno-district-dog-stolen-at-gunpoint-remains-missing/65-a4f9e8a1-4280-4077-9fe2-1318692784f7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/find-bruno-district-dog-stolen-at-gunpoint-remains-missing/65-a4f9e8a1-4280-4077-9fe2-1318692784f7 |
Prosecutor: DC man guilty of 2nd degree murder at Popeyes in Prince George's County
Jury finds DC man guilty of fatally stabbing customer outside Popeyes, state's attorney says
Rico McClain will be sentenced in July after a jury found him guilty of second degree murder for fatally stabbing a man who cut a line at Popeyes on Nov. 4, 2019.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A 32-year-old man, who was indicted in connection with a fatal stabbing at a Popeyes Chicken in Oxon Hill, was found guilty by a jury Friday.
The Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office released a statement saying Ricoh McClain of D.C. is due back in court on July 25 for sentencing.
The statement says a Prince George's County jury found McClain guilty of second degree murder for fatally stabbing 27-year-old Kevin Davis at the Popeye on Livingston Road on Nov. 4, 2019.
The stabbing happened at the height of the popularity surrounding a new spicy chicken sandwich at Popeyes. Prince George's County Police told reporters that a line to get a chicken sandwich on Nov. 4 was a 15 minute wait. Davis had apparently been cutting the line to make his way to the front sooner, which led to a confrontation between McClain and Davis.
Police told reporters the two men were strangers to one another. With dozens of people inside, police say the two men eventually went outside of the fast food joint with McClain eventually stabbing Davis. Davis was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
McClain left the scene before police arrived but he was located and arrested about a week later.
Friends of Davis told WUSA9 on Nov. 6, 2019 they didn't believe the man they knew as "Oside KD" was killed over a chicken sandwich.
"It was deeper than that,” the friend said at the time, declining to elaborate.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said in a statement she was pleased about the verdict and that she hopes Davis' family and loved ones "find some comfort in this outcome."
"This is a tragic incident in which a young man lost his life over a simple argument," Braveboy said. "My office is committed to holding those accountable who commit violent, heinous crimes such as murder in Prince George’s County."
Suspect in Popeyes fight turned to fatal stabbing indicted on charges of 'common law murder,' police say
Man stabbed outside of Popeyes remembered for his big smile, easy laugh
Suspect arrested in deadly stabbing of customer outside of Popeyes in Maryland | 2022-04-16T23:07:32Z | www.wusa9.com | Man found guilty of murder for stabbing customer outside Popeyes | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/jury-finds-dc-man-guilty-of-fatally-stabbing-customer-who-cut-line-at-popeyes-chicken-sandwich/65-d06a748b-2345-4758-b641-e1f6d16790d1 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/jury-finds-dc-man-guilty-of-fatally-stabbing-customer-who-cut-line-at-popeyes-chicken-sandwich/65-d06a748b-2345-4758-b641-e1f6d16790d1 |
When fun night turns violent | Witnesses recall active shooter situation at VA carnival
Woodbridge carnival attendee: 'You think of funnel cakes and fried Oreos; You don’t think of gunfire'
Forecast in DMV area for Easter Sunday - April 16, 2022
"You think of funnel cakes and fried Oreos. You don’t think of gunfire." Carnival attendees were shaken when they found themselves in an active shooter situation.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The Kiwanis Karnival has been an annual tradition for the past 20 years in Woodbridge while offering rides and fun for families. However, on Friday night, the parking lot outside the event became the site of a shooting that injured a 14-year-old girl.
According to the Prince William County Police Department, multiple shots were fired just after 9:15 p.m. in the parking lot of Gar-Field High School after a verbal altercation occurred between two groups.
A 14-year-old girl was shot in the abdomen during the violence and was rushed to the hospital. Investigators said they expected the girl to recover.
"It was just tons of teenagers and parents with their kids," Austin Green, who attended the carnival with his girlfriend on Friday night, said in and interview with WUSA9. "As we were getting on the ride, that’s when we heard the shots ring out. One second everyone is kind of frozen, then the next thing you see everybody running back towards the parking lot.”
At first, Green and others wondering if the popping sounds they were hearing came from fireworks or car exhaust. However, after seeing the police response, he soon knew something dangerous had happened.
"You see Prince William police walking around with semi-automatic rifles. You’re like, 'Wow what is going on? Is there an active shooter?'" he said. "You think of funnel cakes and fried Oreos. You don’t think of gunfire.”
By Saturday evening, the carnival had largely returned back to normal.
Groups of customers waited in lines as people on rides shouted. Funnel cake could be smelt while walking around. Lights at game stations flashed as children asked parents for extra tickets.
However, some who attended noticed extra police officers keeping an eye on the carnival.
"Even before you get a ticket, they’re standing here. I saw four at the entrance," said Margaret Okomah, who brought her children to the Kiwanis Karnival Saturday. "At least I know that there are a lot of police officers here.”
"They have a lot of police everywhere," said another carnival goer. "Almost every station has at least one or two police.”
According to the Kiwanis Club of Woodbridge, six off-duty Prince William County police officers patrolled the carnival during the time of Friday's shooting.
A member added that the event serves as the group's primary fundraiser for the year.
After experiencing the shooting, Green said he remained shocked violence could hit so close to a fun gathering.
"You never know what it was over but nothing is worth shooting someone over," he said. "Some kids might be too scared to ever go to a carnival again.”
There were reports from witnesses on a possible suspect fleeing the scene towards Smoketown Road after the shooting occurred, according to police.
A car that was not involved in the altercation was struck by a bullet while the driver was leaving the carnival but the driver was not injured, according to police.
Police say that the suspect is described to be a Black male that could possibly be a teenager wearing a red hoodie, black pants, and white shoes. | 2022-04-17T03:11:36Z | www.wusa9.com | Witness describes Woodbridge carnival shooting that injured teen | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/kiwanis-karnival-woodbridge-shooting-carnival-prince-william-county-crime/65-3adb8205-832b-42c4-b401-2d77aecf406f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/kiwanis-karnival-woodbridge-shooting-carnival-prince-william-county-crime/65-3adb8205-832b-42c4-b401-2d77aecf406f |
For the first time in two years, Capital Church held its famous Easter service in person.
WASHINGTON — Thousands welcomed Easter Sunday on the National Mall before dawn, for the annual Easter Sunrise Service held by Capital Church.
People made their way before dark to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, part of a Washington tradition that’s spanned 42 years, but has been on hold for two years due to COVID-19.
"It's where so many people from all over are gathered together to worship Jesus, He came back, this is the day we all rejoice about," said Maria Walls who traveled from Cleveland, Ohio for the weekend. "We can come back and be all together, no masks and enjoy nature, enjoy Jesus."
Capital Church began holding the sunrise service in 1979. It starts at 6:30 a.m. and is known as one of the largest Easter sunrise worship services. The church places 1,700 chairs in front of the memorial, and many more sit on the steps and walls. Volunteers work through the night to get ready.
As the sun rose, so did the excitement of being back in person for worship, for the first time in two years.
Capital Church youth leader, and Loudoun County school principal Mojisola Adejumo says she was happy to see so many young people attending.
For her, the service’s return symbolizes the hope that better times are ahead.
"With love, all things are possible, with God all things are possible," Adejumo said. "It gives me that assurance that we can do whatever it takes to help these children transition out of this pandemic healthy, whole and sound." | 2022-04-17T17:52:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Easter sunrise service held in person for first time in two years | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/easter-sunrise-service-returns-to-lincoln-memorial/65-f4111703-fdfd-452d-bec5-ca1d5c529b9c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/easter-sunrise-service-returns-to-lincoln-memorial/65-f4111703-fdfd-452d-bec5-ca1d5c529b9c |
Easter Sunrise Service returns for the first time in two years
U.S. Park Police say a pedestrian near Naylor Rd. when struck by a car. The driver fled the scene
WASHINGTON — *Editor's note* The video above is from a different story. It is not related to this case.
U.S. Park Police criminal investigation team is looking for a car wanted in the fatal hit and run of a man near the D.C./Maryland line Sunday.
The crash happened around 3 a.m. on Suitland Parkway near Naylor Road.
Park police say a pedestrian in the area was struck by a car at the location. Medical personnel responded but the man was pronounced dead on the scene.
The victim has not yet been identified, according to police and they are pending a next of kin notification.
The road was closed for a duration of time and traffic was diverted to Branch and Alabama Avenues.
Police say the driver of the vehicle did not remain on the scene.
A year ago, 27-year-old Lamont Barnett from southeast Washington was struck and killed at the same location on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 around 5:30 am.
He was pronounced on scene by Prince George’s County Fire Department. Police say the driver of the vehicle did remain on the scene.
Traffic Alert: Serious crash investigation Suitland Parkway in the area of Naylor Road. Westbound Traffic diverted to Branch Avenue. Eastbound Traffic diverted to Alabama Avenue.
— USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) April 17, 2022
USPP criminal investigators are asking anyone with information to email USPP_tipline@nps.gov.
This is a developing story and WUSA 9 will continue to update as more information becomes available.
RELATED: Pedestrian killed in Prince George's County hit-and-run crash
RELATED: Pedestrian hit, killed in Suitland Parkway crash | 2022-04-17T17:53:05Z | www.wusa9.com | Man fatally struck on Suitland Parkway Sunday | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fatal-hit-and-run-on-suitland-parkway-driver-wanted/65-0e8aa899-e60d-419a-bb3f-2bfd9040c552 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fatal-hit-and-run-on-suitland-parkway-driver-wanted/65-0e8aa899-e60d-419a-bb3f-2bfd9040c552 |
1 dead, 7 displaced after fire in Carroll County Sunday
The cause of the fire is under investigation and officials say the damages total $200,000.
TANEYTOWN, Md. — A woman is dead and seven people are displaced after a fire on Saturday burned down a house in Taneytown, Md.
A statement from the Maryland State Fire Marshal says the fire started around 11:35 a.m. Saturday. A passerby who observed the blaze at the house located on the 2700 block of Roop Road called 911 to report the emergency.
Forty firefighters from the Taneytown Volunteer Fire Department and other departments responded to the scene. Within 90 minutes, the fire was brought under control, according to officials.
Officials say that there were not any findings of any working fire alarms in the home.
Maryland State Fire Marshal identified the woman killed as 57-year-old Jan Williams of Taneytown. The remains of her body were located within the home and have since been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. There, the specific cause of her death will be investigated.
According to officials, the damages are estimated to cost around $200,000 and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
RELATED: Fire in Gaithersburg destroys Diamond Auto Clinic, causing $1.5 million in damages | 2022-04-18T01:10:23Z | www.wusa9.com | Fire leaves 1 dead and 7 displaced in Carroll County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/a-person-is-dead-and-seven-are-displaced-a-fire-in-carroll-county/65-85886d38-9824-4eed-99a8-f33eaeebf193 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/a-person-is-dead-and-seven-are-displaced-a-fire-in-carroll-county/65-85886d38-9824-4eed-99a8-f33eaeebf193 |
DC Police investigate homicide from Saturday on Southern Avenue SE
A 28-year-old man's death is being investigated as a homicide by police.
WASHINGTON — A man was killed in the District Saturday from a shooting in Southeast.
Metropolitan Police Department released a statement saying officers from the Seventh District were dispatched around 10:45 a.m. Saturday to the 1200 block of Southern Avenue.
When officers arrived they found a man who was "unconscious and not breathing." Police say he had gunshot wounds.
DC Fire and Rescue were at the scene and said the man was not exhibiting signs of life, so the body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
MPD identified the man found dead as Darron Holmes, 28, of Southeast D.C.
Police are continuing to investigate this shooting and are offering a reward of $25,000 to anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest.
Anyone with information should call 202-727-9099. People can also text MPD's TEXT TIP LINE with information at 50411. | 2022-04-18T04:30:39Z | www.wusa9.com | DC Police investigate fatal shooting on Southern Avenue | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-investigate-homicide-from-saturday-on-southern-avenue/65-21318cc8-e332-4604-9f0e-269cc1b24f5f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-investigate-homicide-from-saturday-on-southern-avenue/65-21318cc8-e332-4604-9f0e-269cc1b24f5f |
The shooting happened around 11:15 am on Sunday along the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue NE.
WASHINGTON — A day after a shooting along Minnesota Avenue NE killed a 38-year-old mother of two children, a friend of the victim spoke to WUSA9, saying the woman volunteered as a violence interrupter in the district.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), a woman was found unconscious inside a car behind a nearby Mcdonald's. Across the street, multiple shell casings were found by detectives outside a Shell gas station.
Investigators later identified the victim as 38-year-old Tiffany Wiggins.
On Monday, Wright Family Foundation founder and D.C. activist Sade Wright said she knew Wiggins after their two brothers hung out during their childhood.
Wright tragically knows the impact of street crime as well after she lost two cousins to gun violence in Prince George's County.
Both she and Wiggins had a close bond and after Wright began organizing anti-violence community activities, Wright said Wiggins became a volunteer violence interrupter.
"Whenever we had a rally against gun violence, she would always come out there because she was against gun violence because she knew how it felt," Wright said. "To see her be against gun violence and then get gunned down, that’s just so unfair.”
The death of Wiggins marked the 52nd homicide D.C. has recorded so far this year. According to MPD data, violent crime has increased by 28% compared to 2021.
D.C. police did not release information on whoever they believe committed the crime on Sunday.
Anyone who can provide investigators with info leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text the tip line by sending a message to 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in the case. | 2022-04-19T02:14:07Z | www.wusa9.com | DC shooting kills 38-year-old mother of two children | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/dc-shooting-minnesota-avenue-crime-tiffany-wiggins/65-bdcfbf4c-cc51-4737-a7a9-30046541f3a1 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/dc-shooting-minnesota-avenue-crime-tiffany-wiggins/65-bdcfbf4c-cc51-4737-a7a9-30046541f3a1 |
Police say Alice Greene was last seen around 8 p.m. Monday, April 18.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police in Fairfax County are asking for the public's help to find an 11-year-old girl who went missing Monday night.
Fairfax County Police Department investigators say Alice Greene was last seen Monday, April 19, at around 8 p.m., in the 4300 block of Warner Lane in Chantilly. She is considered endangered because of her age.
The circumstances of her disappearance are not yet known.
Greene is described as 4 feet 9 inches tall and 90 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a white face mask, blue coat and pink pants, according to police in Fairfax County.
Anyone who may have information about this case or know where Greene is is urged to call police at 703-691-2131.
RELATED: MPD's new bloodhound officer is cute, but he also 'fills a void' in the department | 2022-04-19T09:54:27Z | www.wusa9.com | Police search for missing 11-year-old girl in Fairfax Co. | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-county-missing-11-year-old-girl/65-f35360db-1d02-4acb-a4ba-a8596588f6be | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-county-missing-11-year-old-girl/65-f35360db-1d02-4acb-a4ba-a8596588f6be |
Police immediately gave the woman aid until a rescue team arrived and she was ultimately taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — An 18-year-old woman was taken to the hospital Friday night after police found her stabbed in the parking lot of a Woodbridge apartment complex in Prince William County.
The incident happened at Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive on April 15. Upon their arrival, police also found an uninjured male acquaintance with the woman.
The man police met alongside the woman at first told them that a stranger stabbed the woman and that she did not go inside an apartment, but was stabbed by the pool house. However, after police investigated with a K9, their findings revealed that the victim was inside the apartment at one point, due to the evidence located. Police also say they discovered the male acquaintance and the woman had a verbal fight before she was stabbed.
Police say that their investigation is still ongoing.
RELATED: Jury finds DC man guilty of fatally stabbing customer who cut line at Popeyes in Oxon Hill | 2022-04-19T09:54:33Z | www.wusa9.com | 18-year-old woman stabbed at Woodbridge, VA apartment | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-18-year-old-woman-stabbed-at-woodbridge-apartment-pool/65-967baede-ac24-4c54-9c45-ccd2990dbc85 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-18-year-old-woman-stabbed-at-woodbridge-apartment-pool/65-967baede-ac24-4c54-9c45-ccd2990dbc85 |
The victim was hospitalized with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
WASHINGTON — Metropolitan Police Department detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a person seen on surveillance video shooting a man in Southeast D.C.
The shooting happened on Sunday, April 10, in the 1700 block of T Street, Southeast, according to police. Officers with the department's sixth district responded to the scene just before noon. When officers arrived, the found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The suspect in this case was caught on surveillance video. MPD detectives have released the surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the suspect.
Anyone who has information on this case, or can help identify the person seen in the video is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered.
RELATED: Carnival reopens Saturday in Woodbridge, one day after teen girl was shot | 2022-04-19T11:23:39Z | www.wusa9.com | DC Police search for shooting suspect on surveillance video | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-search-for-shooting-suspect-caught-on-camera/65-0fe7d110-8dac-468d-bdb4-7a2ab26a0fc7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-search-for-shooting-suspect-caught-on-camera/65-0fe7d110-8dac-468d-bdb4-7a2ab26a0fc7 |
He finished with a time of 3 hours 36 minutes and 33 seconds.
BOSTON — Our friend and WUSA9 colleague Adam Longo ran the Boston Marathon Monday after some intense training. It proves that when you really put your mind to something, you can achieve your goals.
Adam loves to run and completing the Boston Marathon has been a longtime goal of his. He knocked it off his bucket list, finishing the race in 3 hours, 36 minutes and 33 seconds!
Members of the WUSA9 team were seen in the newsroom cheering him on as he crossed the finish line.
We want to pass on our congratulations to Adam, along with all the runners who made it across the finish line in Monday's race.
RELATED: Meet the youngest runners competing in DC Rock n' Roll half marathon
RELATED: Women in DC aim to close wage gap and run in HerStory 5K | 2022-04-19T12:57:30Z | www.wusa9.com | WUSA9's Adam Longo finishes Boston Marathon | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/boston-marathon-adam-longo-wusa9/65-a7a735da-5fd9-45e9-b991-88ec52b26a1a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/boston-marathon-adam-longo-wusa9/65-a7a735da-5fd9-45e9-b991-88ec52b26a1a |
Police continue search for suspect wanted in shooting of Uber driver in Southeast DC
Police search for suspect in Southeast DC Uber driver shooting
Police say the driver was hospitalized with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
WASHINGTON — Detectives with Metropolitan Police Department are still searching for the person responsible for shooting an Uber driver in Southeast D.C. on Friday.
According to MPD, officers were called to the 2800 block of Hillcrest Drive in Southeast around 2:40 p.m., April 15, for a reported shooting. Once on scene, officers found a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. The vehicle had also sustained damage according to a police report, and the suspect in the shooting had left the scene.
The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
Police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect vehicle captured on surveillance camera. It's described as a dark-colored Volkswagen Tiguan with all black wheels and possible Florida tags.
A representative from Uber confirmed the man shot worked a driver for the ridesharing service.
This is not the first time an Uber driver has been shot. The most noteworthy case involved Muhammad Anwar who was killed in a carjacking last year. Two teenage girls were charged in his murder.
RELATED: 'Hope you appreciate the pain you've caused' | Judge gives 15-year-old max sentence in deadly carjacking
RELATED: 14-year-old girl sentenced to 7 years in carjacking that killed UberEats driver
“Our thoughts are with the driver as he recovers from this frightening attack. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation,” a spokesperson told WUSA9.
Police ask anyone with information about this case, or who can identify who the vehicle belongs to, to call them at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible. | 2022-04-19T16:00:52Z | www.wusa9.com | Southeast DC Uber driver shooting investigation | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/southeast-dc-uber-driver-shooting-investigation-continues/65-d491f377-e885-4c50-9b48-47a5c9526b3e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/southeast-dc-uber-driver-shooting-investigation-continues/65-d491f377-e885-4c50-9b48-47a5c9526b3e |
Police: Man arrested for shooting infant in the hand, officers search for second suspect
DC man arrested in connection to shooting of infant, police say
On April 14, an 8-month-old baby was shot in the hand in Waldorf, Maryland.
WALDORF, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above was published on April 14.
Detectives from the Charles County Sherriff's Office have arrested a suspect they believe is responsible for the shooting of an 8-month-old baby.
Delvonte Elmore, 27, was located and arrested in D.C. on April 18, four days after the child was shot in Maryland.
Elmore faces charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, home invasion, use of a firearm during the commission of a crime and other related charges, according to officials.
At around 12:05 a.m. on April 14, the shooting was reported in the 3000 block of Gallery Place in Waldorf, Maryland.
According to officials, investigators found that two men broke inside of a home where a woman was holding her 8-month-old baby. The two men were looking for a person who was not at the house.
The investigation also found that one of the suspects put a gun against the woman's head and a struggle took place where the gun discharged and a bullet struck the baby's hand.
The baby was flown to a hospital with serious injuries and has since been released.
Investigators are still searching for the second suspect and are asking anyone with information to call Detective Worley at 301-609-6518.
He is currently being held and pending EXTRADITON?? | 2022-04-19T23:39:57Z | www.wusa9.com | Man arrested in connection to shooting of baby in Maryland | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/suspect-arrested-for-shooting-of-infant/65-a5786e6f-4ef5-4335-bca5-c9d70abf7cc8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/suspect-arrested-for-shooting-of-infant/65-a5786e6f-4ef5-4335-bca5-c9d70abf7cc8 |
Zero taxes and free 2-year medical marijuana cards are available until April 24.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — D.C. is kicking off its first-ever cannabis tax holiday. The 10-day-long tax break started April 15 and ends April 24th. Qualified patients, who see a doctor, can pick up their pot at a licensed medical marijuana dispensary tax-free.
The director of DC’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration made the announcement Tuesday at D.C.’s only licensed medical marijuana dispensary East of the River.
Linda Mercado Greene opened Anacostia Organics in 2019 in the heart of downtown Anacostia, it also happens to be two blocks from her own home.
“My research found that 25% of the medical cannabis cardholders lived in Wards 7 and 8 and they had no access to their medication in their own community,” said Greene, “I live in a community that was very much harmed on the war on drugs and that has an active open-air drug market. Since I opened, we’ve done a lot of education with ANC’s, churches and community organizations.”
There are now seven licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the District. According to ABRA, the multi-million-dollar business is growing: serving more than 13,000 patients last month alone.
“I have so many patients that come in and thank me for opening in their community a beautiful dispensary they can be proud of, but also giving them access to quality, inspected, lab-tested medicine,” said Greene.
But more business owners said their patients are leaving for unregulated shops that gift marijuana. Those shops use the law’s gifting provision to sell other items and then give away pot. Their customers don’t need to see a doctor or buy a membership card. Legislation to curb the gifting businesses through fines – failed in the DC council.
Now, the tax holiday helps remove some of those obstacles. If you're under the age of 65, you still need to see a doctor but for the next week, D.C. is dropping the 6% sales tax and those membership cards are free.
“Previously the card was for one year at $100,” explained ABRA director Fred Moosally. “Now we’re giving a two-year card at no cost through April 24. The District is also home to one of the nation’s best reciprocity programs where cardholders from out of state can come to the District and buy.”
“I think D.C. is going to be the shining star on how to get this right in our country,” added Greene.
Though Congress has put a stop to recreational sales in D.C., Greene is optimistic about the future of cannabis in the Nation’s Capital. She said the tax holiday helps her mission of service and social equity. Greene chairs D.C.’s Cannabis Trade Association and is on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force for the U.S Cannabis Council.
“I’ve seen people pass out and die because of stuff on the streets right here in my community,” she explained. “So it’s worth it because I’m all about serving and I’ve always been about serving.”
Click here to learn more about the tax free holiday or apply for a free medical marijuana card.
RELATED: DC Council, residents discuss legalizing marijuana sales in marathon meeting | 2022-04-20T01:09:03Z | www.wusa9.com | DC cannabis tax-free holiday clears obstacles for medical weed | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/cannabis-tax-free-holiday-aims-to-boost-sales-at-dc-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/65-bd993ec1-733e-4028-87b4-ce8a200902c6 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/cannabis-tax-free-holiday-aims-to-boost-sales-at-dc-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/65-bd993ec1-733e-4028-87b4-ce8a200902c6 |
A Navy Yard resident spotted this car, that has 50 separate tickets, parked on DC sidewalk Sunday.
WASHINGTON — D.C. resident Jeffrey Pincus was walking to his local grocery store in Navy Yard Sunday when he noticed something out of the ordinary.
Between Pincus and Whole Foods, was a black Nissan sports utility vehicle, parked on the sidewalk.
“It was actually kind of ridiculous sight,” he said. “There, walking down the sidewalk, and there's just a car, completely blocking the sidewalk. Flashers aren't even on. It's just sitting right there.”
“There were many tickets for 16 to 20 miles per hour speeding over the limit, like that's pretty serious,” he said. “That's not just going five over on the highway, that's going 20 over on residential streets. That can be pretty dangerous.”
The D.C. DMV website only shows the 30 most recent citations linked with the license plate. The range between March 7, 2022, and Sept. 21, 2020.
On two occasions, the driver was ticketed twice in one day. Ticketing data shows the person driving the car was also cited 14 times for traveling between 11 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit.
“They were able to reregister their car,” Pincus said. “They have 2022 tags on there and it makes you wonder, is there something going on that this driver is getting special permission privileges that are not afforded to regular people out there?”
Pincus said he was particularly concerned for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities who may have had to put extra effort into maneuvering around the car on the sidewalk.
Traffic safety has been a constant point of concern throughout the District over the years.
Data provided by the District Department of Transportation shows that 40 people died in traffic crashes in 2021 in D.C. So far, in 2022, D.C. has observed 13 traffic fatalities on its roads.
“I run, I also bike in the city,” he said. “I've encountered many situations as both a runner and a biker, [with] cars, not respecting you, or not seeing you, or taking dangerous actions,” he said.
WUSA9 reached out to both the D.C. DMV and D.C. Department of Public Works to see why the car Pincus encountered was still traveling on DC roads.
A D.C. DMV spokesperson said DPW parking personnel responded to a request for enforcement at the intersection, but the car had already left the location by the time officers had gotten there.
District officials also said at the time the car was last registered, its driver was contesting tickets already on his record. Due to the public health emergency D.C. was experiencing at the time, the DMV was not adding penalties to tickets, so the penalties placed against the car did not move to a past due status.
WUSA9 is told the same rules will not apply during the next registration renewal for the car.
The identity of the owner of the car cannot be released, according to the D.C. DMV.
According to D.C. DPW’s website, cars that have two or more unpaid parking or camera tickets that are more than two months old can be booted by parking enforcement crews.
In November, a D.C. DPW report revealed there were close to 44,000 boot eligible vehicles with registered in D.C. The same report showed 168,000 Virginia and 336,000 Maryland-registered cars that were eligible for similar enforcement.
D.C. found that more than $213 million dollars is owed by the owners of those cars.
DC Councilmember Mary Cheh, who also chairs the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, held a hearing regarding the effectiveness of vehicular booting in D.C. in December.
Cheh maintains the effort is understaffed and underfunded.
“The department has been indifferent and allowing people, in effect, to get away with this sort of thing,” she said.
Cheh said she has asked for more people to be on D.C. DPW’s booting and towing team. She said the team only had six employees and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had proposed to increase staffing to nine people in her most recent budget proposal.
But, Cheh said she is hopeful they can add even more staffers than that.
“The department had said at a hearing I had that they thought they could use 13,” she said. “So, I'm going to find money in the budget and make it 13.”
Cheh added she believes lowering the amount of traffic violation fines could also get more people to pay up in a timelier manner. She notes the fine amounts for traffic enforcement cameras in D.C. are higher than neighboring jurisdictions.
“People should obey the law, no question about it,” she said. “But, let's say you're somebody [with] a very low income, or you're poor, and you happen to get a ticket, and you can't pay it in 30 days. Then it’s going to double. Now, you really can't pay it.”
However, Cheh says one other obstacle is standing in the way of D.C. DPW booting cars. She said someone is going around the District illegally taking off boots and damaging them in the process.
“Why they're not able to catch this character, I'm not sure,” she said.
Either way, Pincus said he is hopeful the District can add more employees to its booting and towing team as soon as possible.
“The marginal benefit of hiring one more person just makes a lot of economic sense,” he said.
Here's how many cars are 'boot eligible' in DC
All parking enforcement in DC to begin June 1, mayor says | 2022-04-20T01:09:09Z | www.wusa9.com | This DC car has $10,000 of fines, so why is it still on the road? | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/one-dc-car-has-more-than-10000-of-fines-so-why-is-it-still-on-the-road/65-70d7d201-6251-4d96-aba2-1067b37f61b8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/one-dc-car-has-more-than-10000-of-fines-so-why-is-it-still-on-the-road/65-70d7d201-6251-4d96-aba2-1067b37f61b8 |
This month, the University of Maryland opened temporary housing for Afghan families at its campus in College Park.
WASHINGTON — Last August, Mohammad Sharif Haidary found himself among the massive crowd of people at the Kabul airport trying to evacuate Afghanistan as the Taliban moved closer to completely taking over the country as American forces withdrew.
Starting at 5 a.m., Haidary would head to the airport with his pregnant wife and 3-year-old daughter to wait in line for up to eight hours a day. The temperatures were sweltering, and the crowded mass of people meant only moving a few yards each day while in line.
"It was impossible to pass through that crowd," Haidary says of the time. "Everybody was pushing. I couldn’t risk (his daughter and wife's) safety."
During this time, simply being in the country was a fearful experience for Haidary.
As a supervisor at the U.S. embassy in Kabul, he said he began receiving threatening letters from the Taliban mentioning his family.
With his apartment located just across the street from the local police station, he decided to move his family into various homes of friends and family to avoid whatever would happen to him when the new regime took power.
"That two weeks was my hardest time in life," he said. "When they (the Taliban) came, they took over the police station. For me, I can’t even explain (the fear). Anytime they could come.”
Haidary and his family were some of the lucky ones who made it out of Afghanistan.
After staying at a military base and then a hotel, the three are now living in an apartment in Landover with his new four-month-old baby, a cousin's wife and her child.
Haidary also has a temporary contract job in D.C. with the Office of the Attorney General and has received his green card.
"We’re just trying to settle here," he said. "I can’t even think about going back.”
Haidary is one of the many refugees now trying to make a new life in America after fleeing the takeover of Afghanistan by the brutal militant group.
In Landover, he told WUSA9 that safety can still be an issue. Haidary said robberies occasionally occur close to home.
Now, he is among the many refugees hoping to get temporary housing as part of a resettlement program.
"I’m just trying to find an apartment for myself and my family where we can feel relaxed and we can feel safe," he said. "In a new society, you need help with everything. Even if you know the culture, you need help for your family.”
For some, assistance has come from organizations and nearby universities.
The families, who can qualify for the housing if they worked alongside U.S. personnel in the country, can stay for up to a year.
On Tuesday, a University of Maryland manager told WUSA9 that four families consisting of around 35 people total had already moved in this month.
According to the school, the campus has the capacity to house two additional families.
React DC, founded last year by Afghanistan veterans and their spouses, is also on the front lines of helping Afghan refugees in the region. According to founder and CEO Amy Marden, the group assists 600 families each month.
"We call them Afghan allies. Most of them were directly assisting U.S. coalition forces," she said on Tuesday. "They are in desperate need of assistance. They all want to be self-reliant. They want to stand on their own but they need some help getting started.”
Over the past several months, Marden said finding temporary affordable housing has been a challenge.
However, by building partnerships with housing agencies and other groups, React DC hopes to help even more Afghan families in the weeks and months ahead.
"Housing was a challenge early on and it continues to be a challenge going forward. The cost of housing is very expensive," Marden said. "We are making progress. People are getting established. They are finding jobs and getting settled and we’ll make sure they’re okay.”
RELATED: University of Maryland offers temporary housing to Afghan evacuees | 2022-04-20T02:38:46Z | www.wusa9.com | Afghan refugees hope for affordable temporary housing | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/community/afghanistan-dc-refugee-resettlement-immigration/65-26edebf7-f7a6-44d8-9719-7ca6fe3539db | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/community/afghanistan-dc-refugee-resettlement-immigration/65-26edebf7-f7a6-44d8-9719-7ca6fe3539db |
Couple used son to impersonate NY mobster to extort $4 million from Maryland man
The man believed the money he was handing over was going to mobsters to whom another woman was indebted.
Back in April of 2018, a Federal grand jury indicted both Archie Kaslov, 55, and Candy Evans, 52, as well as their three sons; Tony Evans, Corry Evans, and Robert Evans as well as Robert's common-law ex-wife Gina Russell. All five were arrested on multiple charges related.
According to a release from the U.S. State's Attorney's Office, Kaslov, Evans, their sons and Russel conspired with another woman to extort money and gold bars from a man in Maryland, leading the man to begin embezzling funds from his job for around three months in 2017.
The victim took the embezzled funds and converted them to cash and gold bars. Believing the money he was handing over was going to mobsters to whom the New York woman was indebted, he then drove to New York where he visited multiple drop-off spots.
In reality, all of the funds the Maryland man embezzled and delivered went to members of the Evans-Kaslov family.
Kaslov pleaded guilty back in Sept. 2020 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As a condition for his guilty plea, Kaslov admitted that he drove members of his family around New York with cash they obtained from the extortion scheme they had been running. On one occasion, Kaslov drove to the New York diamond district on 47th Street, where he and multiple family members spent tens of thousands of dollars on watches, including Rolexes, according to the U.S. Attorney's office of D.C.
Kaslov also admitted that, after the Maryland man brought approximately $2 million in gold bars, Kaslov and others turned around and sold the gold bars for cash.
Kaslov also traveled to Texas in May of 2017 where he and a family member paid more than $300,000 to purchase a Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead from a car dealer. In January 2020, Kaslov and Candy Evans sold that Rolls Royce in New Jersey for $120,000.
Candy Evans plead guilty in Sept 2020 to tampering with a witness by corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct. As part of her guilty plea, she admitted that once the FBI began its investigation, she helped the New York woman, whom the Maryland man met on Backpage to lie to people, including the FBI according to documents.
In April 2017, Candy Evans, believing that married individuals could not be compelled to testify against each other, advised the New York woman and Russell to get married to prevent such testimony about the scheme in Court. The New York woman and Russell married at City Hall in New York, which ultimately did not work.
Candy Evans then panicked even more and wanted a letter that would exonerate her, Kaslov, and their three sons from any involvement in the scheme to get money from the Maryland man.
Candy then told Russell and the New York woman to sign a handwritten, notarized confession attempting to fully implicate themselves and to exonerate Candy Evans, Kaslov and their sons.
When the New York woman was set to meet with the FBI, Candy Evans counseled and helped the woman to lie by telling the FBI that there actually had never been an extortion scheme and that the Maryland man had invented the entire story about mobsters to justify why he embezzled money from his employer, according to US attorney's office.
In Oct 2017, days after the FBI executed their search warrants at multiple Evans-Kaslov family members’ homes, Candy Evans called an FBI special agent, who happened to be investigating this case. She told him that Kaslov and two of her other sons had not done anything illegal and that it was just Tony Evans, Russell and the New York woman who had committed the crimes. In Nov. 2017, prior to Russell’s interview with the FBI, Candy Evans also instructed Russell to lie to the FBI.
Kaslov was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The first six months of his time on supervised release must be spent in home detention.
Candy Evans was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Evans, too, must spend the first six months of her supervised release in home detention.
Kaslov and Candy Evans are the second and third defendants to be sentenced in connection with this case. In Sept. 2018, their son, Tony Evans pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
Their son, Robert Evans pleaded guilty in April 2021 to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. He is awaiting sentencing. Russell also pleaded guilty in July 2019 to interference with interstate commerce by extortion and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain outstanding against Corry Evans who has pleaded not guilty.
RELATED: 'Reign of terror' | MS-13 leader facing up to 45 years for horrific murders, gang-related crimes in Maryland
RELATED: Judge sentences man to 4 life terms in DC mansion murders | 2022-04-20T04:09:15Z | www.wusa9.com | Couple used family to extort $4 million Maryland man | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/new-york-couple-sentenced-4-million-dollar-scheme-son-pretends-to-be-mobster/65-466f94c2-40ff-4539-95ae-37db81141b97 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/new-york-couple-sentenced-4-million-dollar-scheme-son-pretends-to-be-mobster/65-466f94c2-40ff-4539-95ae-37db81141b97 |
Artist Shawn Perkins, aka SP The Plug, teamed up with cannabis website Leafly to create new art as part of a series of murals across the country
WASHINGTON — As you may or may not know, April 20 is something of a high holiday among cannabis connoisseurs.
The numerical code 420 holds special significance for pot smokers around the world as a time and day to gather together to smoke marijuana.
How this particular three digits became such a universally recognized short hand is hard to pin down, but according to Chris Conrad, curator of the Oaksterdam Cannabis Museum in Oakland, California, it dates back to 1971 and a group of high school friends who called themselves The Waldos. These friends would gather after school at exactly 4:20 p.m. to smoke weed, and used the code 420 to discuss plans in front of unsuspecting adults. From there, the use of the term spread across the country, and eventually the world.
Fast forward about 50 years, and marijuana is no longer spoken of in code. In fact, it's big business. Many states have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use, and websites are dedicated to the latest cannabis news and reviews.
One such website is Leafly. According to the website, Leafly is meant to help people discover cannabis products and order them from legal licensed retailers.
Now that April 20 is here again, Leafly has teamed up with several artists across the country to commission murals, which can be purchased as NFTs.
Murals have gone up in Chicago, Portland, Toronto and here in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. mural, created by artist Shawn Perkins, aka SP The Plug, is located at 3124 Georgia Avenue Northwest. Titled "Green Means Go," it depicts a Black woman in sunglasses and bold jewelry enjoying a joint.
Leafly commissioned a group of cutting-edge artists to design and paint a series of innovative murals in 4 different cities, here's a look at the one in D.C.! Check out the others: https://t.co/lLFHnsNni5 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0P5GhhDoLD
— Leafly (@Leafly) April 20, 2022
Proceeds from the purchase of Perkins' NFT mural benefit the Center for Black Equity, an organization with the goal of improving the lives of the Black LGBTQIA+ community.
For information on how to purchase the mural, click here.
RELATED: Virginia Senate bill speeds up sale of recreational marijuana | 2022-04-20T08:46:47Z | www.wusa9.com | DC artist's new 420 mural can be purchased as an NFT | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/get-up-dc/dc-mural-shawn-perkins-nft-leafly/65-d47734d7-1d29-41ab-9795-a6d912bdda0d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/get-up-dc/dc-mural-shawn-perkins-nft-leafly/65-d47734d7-1d29-41ab-9795-a6d912bdda0d |
The overnight situation has resulted in a large police presence in the Carver/Langston neighborhood.
WASHINGTON — A carjacking in Northeast D.C. has resulted in a dramatic scene in the Carver/Langston neighborhood Wednesday morning.
Shortly after the carjacking occurred, a police pursuit ensued and ultimately morphed into a barricade situation, according to DC officers. The chase ended on 18th Street, Northeast.
Police were seen surrounding a red Mercedes in front of a string of rowhomes in the neighborhood. The car's doors were left wide open behind a caution-taped area, however, no passengers were seen inside when WUSA9 was on the scene Wednesday morning in the 6 a.m. hour.
Officials also have yet to specify the exact time and place that the string of events began; sometime in the overnight hours leading into Wednesday.
Police have said that multiple people were involved, however, they have not yet confirmed how many. WUSA9 is still working to find out if any arrests have been made, or if injuries or weapons were involved.
WUSA9 will update this story as additional information is confirmed through our newsroom. | 2022-04-20T11:50:56Z | www.wusa9.com | NE DC carjacking leads to police chase, barricade | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/washington-northeast-dc-carjacking-leads-to-police-chase-wednesday-morning-barricade/65-0e9250e6-8bc5-49fa-acf4-402d53245dde | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/washington-northeast-dc-carjacking-leads-to-police-chase-wednesday-morning-barricade/65-0e9250e6-8bc5-49fa-acf4-402d53245dde |
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a 20-year-long cleanup effort of the site on Glenbrook Road Northwest last year.
American University Experiment Station, Washington, D.C., 1917. (Library of Congress photo)
WASHINGTON — A vacant lot in Northwest D.C., used as a chemical weapons testing site back in 1917, is now up for sale following a decades-long cleanup effort by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers (USACE).
The cleanup of 4825 Glenbrook Road, also known as the Spring Valley Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) was completed in November 2021 by the USACE and partnering agencies.
“This exemplary cross-functional team was tasked to clean up and restore a residential property containing one of the most unique burials of discarded World War I experimental chemical warfare agents known in the U.S.,” said Baltimore District Commander Col. Estee Pinchasin said in a statement last year. “Make no mistake - during the war; there was no military research more urgent or secret than what took place in this corner of the District.”
During World War I, the property was part of a larger area known as the American University Experiment Station (AUES), where the U.S. government researched and tested chemical agents, equipment, and munitions. From 1917 to 1918, approximately 1,500 chemists, scientists, and soldiers assembled at AUES to research and develop offensive and defensive capabilities in chemical warfare.
When the war ended in 1918, disposal pits and trenches were dug and filled with unwanted and dangerous chemicals and materials and covered over, a standard practice at the time, USACE spokesperson Cynthia Mitchell said in a press release.
That waste material was rediscovered in 1993, kicking off the environmental restoration program that was completed last year. By the conclusion of the project at Glenbrook Road, the team had remediated, removed, or recovered 556 munition items (23 of them filled with chemical agents), 2,139 pounds of laboratory debris, 53 intact and sealed glass containers of chemical agent, and 7,500 tons of contaminated soil, according to USACE.
Now, the 13,806-square-foot plot of land is up for sale for $1,295,000, according to real estate website Redfin.
"Great opportunity to get a large lot in sought-after Spring Valley," the website says.
For more information on the Spring Valley FUDS, click here. | 2022-04-20T16:26:12Z | www.wusa9.com | DC land for sale after decades-long clean-up effort | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/world-war-i-chemical-dump-site-up-for-sale-after-decades-long-clean-up-effort/65-7b43974a-2be1-4a64-9416-e0e284becd16 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/world-war-i-chemical-dump-site-up-for-sale-after-decades-long-clean-up-effort/65-7b43974a-2be1-4a64-9416-e0e284becd16 |
Sergeant Lateef is charged with first and second-degree assault as the result of the off-duty domestic incident, police said.
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — A deputy from the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office (PGCSO) is facing assault charges following a domestic incident that occurred while he was off duty, according to a press release from PGCSO.
The release says PGCSO was made aware of a domestic incident involving Sergeant Ibin Lateef in Charles County on Monday. Initially, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) charged the other person involved in the incident, but on Tuesday that person took out a protective order against Lateef. At that point, Lateef was put on an administrative role with pay, pending an investigation.
Also on Tuesday, CCSO charged Lateef with first and second-degree assault stemming from Monday’s off-duty incident and he was served with a warrant in Charles County. PGCSO then decided to suspend Lateef without pay pending an investigation. A protective order was also issued against the other person involved in the incident.
The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office said Lateef has worked for the department for 18 years and is assigned to the Bureau of Field Operations.
PGCSO will handle the administrative investigation, while CCSO is conducting a criminal investigation.
RELATED: Sheriff: Loudoun County deputy kills knife-wielding woman who is accused of stabbing 2 including teen
RELATED: Prince George's police officer arrested, charged with child abuse in domestic incident | 2022-04-20T19:31:55Z | www.wusa9.com | Prince George's County officer charged with assault | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/prince-georges-county-sheriffs-deputy-assault-charges-off-duty-domestic-incident/65-1e29cf1f-8e8a-450e-8f01-1da56b537fe0 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/prince-georges-county-sheriffs-deputy-assault-charges-off-duty-domestic-incident/65-1e29cf1f-8e8a-450e-8f01-1da56b537fe0 |
WUSA9 Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge - Official Instructions
Share a picture and make a difference starting on Earth Day! WUSA9 will donate $1 for each picture to Potomac Riverkeeper Network.
WASHINGTON — WUSA9 Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge
2. Eligibility. Subject to the additional restrictions below, the “Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge” (the “Instructions”) is open to legal U.S. residents of The District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia (the local viewing area) who are 13 years or older at the time of entry.
3. How To Enter. The Instructions will begin at 12:01 a.m. (E.T.) on Thursday, April 21, 2022 and end at 11:59 p.m.. (E.T.) Sunday, April 24, 2022 (the “Instructions Period”).
Text Message Entry: Send a text message to (202) 895-5599 with "EARTH” in the body of the text message and share a photo 1x-(one) time of how you’re celebrating Earth Day 2022. You must have a text messaging two-way capable handset and digital service in order to enter via text message. Entrants will be sent a text message confirming entry. Entrants will be charged standard messaging rates for text messages sent and received from their handset according to the terms and conditions in their wireless calling plan. Text messaging and wireless service are not available in all areas. Message and data rates may apply.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (E.T.) Sunday, April 24, 2022. By entering, you agree to the terms of these Official Rules.
Maximum one (1) photo entry per person. Sponsor will not be responsible for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor.
When you submit or post any material via the Site, you grant us, and anyone authorized by us, a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, unrestricted, worldwide license to use, copy, modify, transmit, sell, exploit, create derivative works from, distribute, and/or publicly perform or display such material, in whole or in part, in any manner or medium (whether now known or hereafter developed), for any purpose that we choose. The foregoing grant includes the right to exploit any proprietary rights in such posting or submission, including, but not limited to, rights under copyright, trademark or patent laws that exist in any relevant jurisdiction. Also, in connection with the exercise of these rights, you grant us, and anyone authorized by us, the right to identify you as the author of any of your postings or submissions by name, email address or screen name, as we deem appropriate. You understand that the technical processing and transmission of the Site, including content submitted by you, may involve transmissions over various networks, and may involve changes to the content to conform and adapt it to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. You will not receive any compensation of any kind for the use of any materials you submit.
4. Selection. For each One-(1) different picture you send 1x-(one), $1-(One) dollar will be donated to Potomac River Keeper Network https://www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/ by WUSA9.
5. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Instructions as solely determined by Sponsor. In the event the Instructions is compromised by tampering or other causes beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper operation of the Instructions, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Instructions. Should the Instructions be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date. In the event of a dispute, all text message entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the owner of the wireless phone from which the entry is sent and all online entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the owner of the ISP account from which the entry is sent. For these purposes, an ISP account holder shall mean the natural person assigned to such ISP account by the Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning ISP addresses for the domain associated with such ISP account. Any questions regarding the number of entries submitted or the owner of an ISP account shall be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, and Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entries by persons determined to be tampering with or abusing any aspect of the Instructions. Tickets are subject to availability, restrictions, limitations, and cancellations.
7. Sponsor. The WUSA9 Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge is sponsored by WUSA9. The decisions of Sponsor regarding the selection of pictures and all other aspects of the Instructions shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Instructions. For a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Official Rules” (as applicable), “WUSA9 Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge”, 4100 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016. If you have any questions regarding this Instructions, please contact Darlene Dyer at (202)-895-5933 or ddyer@wusa9.com. | 2022-04-20T22:34:44Z | www.wusa9.com | WUSA9 Zip Whip 2022 Earth Day Challenge - Official Instructions | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/contests/wusa9-zip-whip-2022-earth-day-challenge-official-instructions/65-cd7c6138-4b70-49b2-b84e-665aa862c66e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/contests/wusa9-zip-whip-2022-earth-day-challenge-official-instructions/65-cd7c6138-4b70-49b2-b84e-665aa862c66e |
Police say one man was found shot to death inside an apartment in Bladensburg, Maryland Wednesday.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince Georges County Police are working an active homicide case in the 5300 block of Quincy Place after a man was found dead inside an apartment on Wednesday.
According to the Prince George's County Police Department, officers were summoned to the area of Quincy Place in an unincorporated section of Bladensburg, Maryland for a welfare check request.
When police arrived they found a man inside an apartment suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Police are looking for any information that the public may have on this case. They are still working to establish a motive. If anyone has any information, please call @PGCrimeSolvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
We are on the scene of a fatal shooting that occurred in the 5300 block of Quincy Place in the unincorporated section of Bladensburg. pic.twitter.com/M7xscUi1fc
WATCH NEXT: Failing to stop for a school bus will cost you big bucks
Remember, passing a stopped school bus is illegal. Here's how much you could pay if you're caught. Click here to watch and subscribe to the WUSA9 YouTube channel. | 2022-04-21T01:36:18Z | www.wusa9.com | Man found dead inside apartment in Prince Georges, police say | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/prince-georges-police-investigating-homicide-bladensburg-md/65-02bff7b3-387f-4c6c-a9fa-fb073980fe03 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/prince-georges-police-investigating-homicide-bladensburg-md/65-02bff7b3-387f-4c6c-a9fa-fb073980fe03 |
Fairfax Co. police have arrest William Clark for a sexual assault incident from 35 years ago. Police attribute DNA findings to arrest lead.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — The Fairfax County Police Department has announced the arrest for a sexual assault cold case dating back to 1987.
William Clark, 59, was arrested on April 18 and is being charged with rape, abduction with intent to defile and attempted forcible sodomy.
According to police, in 1987 Clark called the victim's mother at her work claiming to be a popular DJ Radio host. He claimed that if the mother was listening on the radio that she would be eligible to win $1,000 and a trip to Hawaii.
In order to be considered eligible for the proposed prize by Clark, the victim's mother gave personal information including her home phone number and address.
According to police, Clark called the mother's home where the 14-year-old victim answered and was persuaded to meet Clark at the radio station.
Police said the victim was "enticed" to enter Clark's car where he then drove out of Fairfax City into Fairfax County to a wooded area and implied he had a gun. Clark then later allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and drove away.
The victim reported the incident immediately after the incident occurred, police said.
Over the course of the investigation that spanned 35 years, police said they eliminated over 70 suspects, however, Clark was not part of the original suspects that were identified. Clark was only recently identified as a suspect a few months ago, according to police.
In 1987, police had the DNA of the person who abducted and sexually assaulted the victim and recently matched it with Clark.
Fairfax County police are asking that if anyone believes that they were a victim of Clark to contact the Fairfax County police department.
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RELATED: Fairfax Police stakeout leads to arrest of repeat mall burglar | 2022-04-21T01:36:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Fairfax County police make arrest in 1987 sexual assault case | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-co-police-make-arrest-for-1987-sexual-assault/65-753f3599-df62-4c23-b234-1b88adf77b66 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-co-police-make-arrest-for-1987-sexual-assault/65-753f3599-df62-4c23-b234-1b88adf77b66 |
Six people were displaced, according to firefighters.
WASHINGTON — One person is in the hospital with critical injuries after a house fire in Northeast D.C. Wednesday afternoon.
D.C. Fire and EMS fire crews were called to the 3000 block of 16th Street Northeast for a report of a fire. Once on scene, crews found a three-story single-family home with smoke coming from the third floor.
Firefighters said they rescued a person from the third floor of the home, and were quickly able to bring the flames under control.
The victim rescued from the third floor was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, according to firefighters.
Crews said the Red Cross was notified and six people were displaced by the blaze.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
RELATED: DC Fire: Man injured after vacant row home collapses in Northwest
RELATED: Fire leaves 48 people homeless, causes more than $4 million in damages, officials say | 2022-04-21T12:20:25Z | www.wusa9.com | 1 hurt, 6 displaced in NE DC house fire | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/northeast-dc-house-fire-critical-injury/65-b4ba7742-77e4-4253-baf8-a593f2ba0c0f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/northeast-dc-house-fire-critical-injury/65-b4ba7742-77e4-4253-baf8-a593f2ba0c0f |
Homeless numbers are down 47% since the implementation of the Homeward DC program in 2016.
WASHINGTON — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other community leaders announced the results of the annual census of individuals experiencing homelessness in the District Thursday.
The Point in Time count took place on January 26, 2022. it shows that for the sixths consecutive year, the number of people experiencing homelessness has declined.
Over the past year, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness has dropped 13.7%. Since 2016, when the Bowser administration began its Homeward DC plan, homelessness has declined by 47%, data shows. For the 2016 Point in Time count, 8,350 people were experiencing homelessness. In 2022, that number was 4,410. That's the lowest recorded number going back to at least 2005, the mayor's office said.
The 2022 results also show declines in family homelessness (down 14%), homelessness among single adults (down 12%), and chronic homelessness for families (down 26%) and single adults (down 22%).
“These results are a culmination of years of working together – across government, with our community partners and providers, and with residents in all eight wards – to implement Homeward DC and build systems and resources that meet the needs of D.C. residents,” Bowser said in a statement. “While we are proud of these results, we know there’s more work to do. We know that the pandemic has changed the way people experience homelessness, including more people living in encampments, and we need to be responsive to those changes. With the FY23 budget, we have the funding in place to end chronic homelessness, and in addition to the funding, we have the political will and the community support to make it happen. And we will.”
The budget includes $114 million to replace aging homeless shelters and $31 million to end chronic homelessness through funding systems necessary to end homelessness.
“We firmly believe that homelessness is a solvable problem,” Bowser said in a Thursday press conference.
Department of Human Services Director Laura Green Zeilinger agrees. She said to remember that behind every number there is a person.
“While I am proud of the work we do to connect District residents to affordable housing, I am especially proud of the system by which we welcome people home – it’s a system consistent with our District values in that it is centered in human dignity. Our residents are deserving of a safe and stable place to call home and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality," Zeilinger said.
The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP) conducted the Point in Time count on behalf of the District. The count is a requirement for all jurisdictions receiving federal homeless assistance funding. This single-day enumeration of the homeless services continuum of care provides an opportunity to identify gaps in the current portfolio of services and informs future program planning.
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RELATED: 'He was a human being with purpose and dignity' | DC ministers hold vigil for slain victim of homeless attacks | 2022-04-21T16:55:20Z | www.wusa9.com | Data shows homelessness is down in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-homelessness-data-point-in-time-count-2022/65-4282d2ec-94a6-4ab1-996a-d81c4d37b628 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-homelessness-data-point-in-time-count-2022/65-4282d2ec-94a6-4ab1-996a-d81c4d37b628 |
The FAA , for its part, has acknowledged the events and said that a full review of what occurred is forthcoming.
The Army has also said it will be reviewing the events itself to ensure that Army protocols were followed.
"We are aware of the issues that occurred during the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team’s demonstration at the Washington Nationals baseball game as part of Military Appreciation Night April 20," Kelli LeGaspi, a spokeswoman for United States Army Recruiting Command, said. "We are reviewing all aspects of the event to ensure all procedures were followed appropriately to coordinate both the flight and the parachute demonstration. We will not comment further until we are able to determine the facts of the situation." | 2022-04-21T16:55:26Z | www.wusa9.com | FAA to investigate how Nats parachute stunt led to evacuation | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/investigation-into-parachute-landing-at-nats-park-triggering-capitol-evacuation-us-capitol-police-faa-army/65-e079c9d4-c341-49f9-b9c1-c2e4845f9860 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/investigation-into-parachute-landing-at-nats-park-triggering-capitol-evacuation-us-capitol-police-faa-army/65-e079c9d4-c341-49f9-b9c1-c2e4845f9860 |
Opioid use has increased in the DC region over the last decade, forcing many first responders to apply Narcan to people in need more than ever before.
WASHINGTON — As opioid use continues to proliferate across the D.C. region, local first responders are finding themselves having to save the lives of more people overdosing on illegal substances.
Last year, D.C. Police said opioid-related overdoses killed more than 420 people in the District.
The department recently released a video on social media chronicling what it is like for their officers to experience people who are overdosing on substances like fentanyl.
MPD officers Bryan Velasquez and Paul Weiss have had to use the lifesaving drug Narcan to revive people in distress several times.
Velasquez recalled one recent incident where he used Narcan on a person who regained consciousness in less than two minutes.
“Had it been a few more minutes that we found him, it was a good chance he may have been dead,” he said.
The officers said they often see people under the influence who are experiencing the lowest point of their life.
Velasquez said the victims of drug use come from a diverse set of backgrounds.
“They're men, women, Black, White, Hispanic,” he said. “It's non-discriminatory, it doesn't discriminate.”
Weiss pointed out many times officers find themselves having to revive people who have taken drugs they didn’t know were laced with lethal doses of fentanyl.
DC Police said that 10 people in Northeast D.C. lost their lives two weeks ago when they used a suspected bad batch of cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
“We are able to provide them almost a second life with the use of the deployment of Narcan,” Weiss said.
He added it’s important that regular citizens learn how to use Narcan because it could help save even more lives when first responders aren’t readily available.
“Being able to train the public on how to use it will ultimately save tons of more lives here in D.C.,” he said.
3 dead after multiple people overdose in Southwest DC
Connecticut boy's overdose death renews call for Narcan in US schools
DC chemist finds drug more potent than fentanyl that's on city streets now | 2022-04-22T09:45:02Z | www.wusa9.com | DC Police officers share experiences reviving overdose victims | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/mpd-officers-share-experiences-saving-drug-overdose-victims/65-ec6e8571-5cfc-4c12-b978-655672a56000 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/mpd-officers-share-experiences-saving-drug-overdose-victims/65-ec6e8571-5cfc-4c12-b978-655672a56000 |
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