Shootings at Capitol Quarter Community Center 072418
MPD First District Commander Morgan Kane reassured 40 plus residents that they have to be concerned about the drive-by shooting outside the Capitol Quarter Community Center at 3:20am on Saturday morning (072118). The meeting was held in the building at 5th and L Streets, SE, outside of where the shootings occurred.
There were two victims – one had been shot in the stomach and the other in the foot; both were hospitalized. Neither is cooperating with police. Kane said that “officers were here immediately and recovered two guns.” She said it was not certain that some of those involved were residents of the community – “because someone has an address in the community doesn’t necessarily mean they live here.” MPD has reviewed video from Community Center security cameras, and Kane said detectives were working the case “around the clock.”
Residents say that hanging out on Community Center property and elsewhere in the neighborhood is an ongoing problem. One resident said, “People hang out and smoke and drink all night long and nobody pays attention. What’s the plan was for moving forward?”
Residents are reminded to dial 911. There is a delicate balance between enforcing against criminal behavior and intervening when people are not doing anything wrong. Being on Community Center property after 8:00pm is a violation and enforceable.
The Community Center is currently being administered by the DC Housing Authority. Plans are underway to transfer the Community Center from DCHA to DC Department of Recreation by year’s end. The community will have an opportunity for input on the Center’s role going forward, and that the community needs to be involved from day one.
