DC police boost presence after overnight burglaries and vandalism

WASHINGTON - D.C. police have increased their presence across parts of the city after a series of overnight burglaries and acts of vandalism.

Officials say affected areas, including City Center, Georgetown, the H Street Corridor, Logan Circle, and north of Columbia Heights. In an update Tuesday, police said detectives are investigating at least seven burglaries total and six incidents of property destruction:

Timeline and arrests from Monday to overnight Tuesday:

• 11:00 p.m.: 1000 block of I Street Northwest. 27-year-old Alton Pernell Jr. of Northeast, DC and 32-year-old Husan Thurston of Southeast, D.C. were arrested and charged with Burglary Two in connection with this offense.
• 11:30 p.m.: 1400 block of Wisconsin Avenue Northwest. Suspect/vehicle images released here: https://x.com/DCPoliceDept/status/1833526307998863411
• 11:55 p.m.: 2400 block of Wisconsin Avenue Northwest
• 12:05 am / 1200 block of H Street Northeast
• 12:55 am / 1800 block of 14th Street Northwest. 24-year-old Sabrina Kenny, of Alexandria, VA, 23-year-old Jasmine Clark, of Southwest, DC, and 24-year-old Alnaja Jackson, of Southeast, DC, were arrested and charged with Burglary Two, Resisting Arrest, and Fleeing from Law Enforcement.
• 2:20 a.m.: 1700 block of Wisconsin Avenue Northwest
• 4:00 a.m.: 4700 block of 14th Street Northwest

In response to the series of crime, D.C.’s Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lindsey Appiah responded online saying "while we support the right to peacefully protest, crime and violence will not be tolerated in our city."

Hours before the first incident, police released video of a recent fatal shooting by officers. FOX 5 asked police whether the incidents were a result of protests over the release. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department said the incidents did not happen during a protest or demonstration, though they are all under investigation.

"MPD detectives continue to investigate these offenses, and we will hold offenders accountable," police said in a statement. "As a result of the incidents overnight, MPD will continue to maintain an increased police presence throughout the city. MPD does not tolerate acts of violence or destruction of property."

Alex Mikhailovsky lives in a building near the Gucci store on the 1000 block of I Street NW that was burglarized around 11 p.m. Monday.

"Robberies are one thing, right? They’re looking for merchandise. They’re robbing. They’re not really out to hurt anyone but still, that’s a concern. That’s a major effort, to do it right here and it’s only a few streets away from the White House. That’s pretty bold, I think," Mikhailovsky said.

Another woman who works nearby said she saw videos of the massive response in the area during the incident.

"Helicopter flying over with spotlights. I was a bit worried about coming into work this morning but they assured me everything was okay. I waited until I was sure that everything was going to be okay," she said. "It’s ruining the neighborhood. Businesses are closing due to stealing and everything and it’s just not what it used to be."

Anyone with information on the incidents is urged to contact the Real Time Crime Center at 202-727-9099 or submit an anonymous tip by texting 50411.