Chief Lanier on the Petworth Violence

For those of you following the rash of shootings in Petworth this weekend, Police Chief Cathy Lanier left this post on the MPD 4th District message board at 7:59 PM -- less than a half hour after rounds were fired on the 800 block of Crittenden St., NW:

Let me assure everyone that this weekends violence in Petworth will not be tolerated. Since Friday, based on a number of other indicators that led up to this violence, we have redirected a number of citywide resources to attempt to prevent and curb the violence in Petworth. I have citywide vice units, warrant squads, intelligence units, and many more officers teaming up to address this recent spike. We will not stop until the individuals responsible for these senseless acts are brought into custody. In addition to the citywide resources, Commander Brown is ensuring we maintain a saturation of Fourth District patrols in the neighborhood. We will get this under control.

I ask anyone with information on this violence to please contact use on 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (2746).

The reference to "a number of other indicators that led up to this violence" certainly raises some questions about the nature of these incidents. I can say that there has been a visibly increased police presence in Petworth since Friday night, particularly near the crime scenes.

So far, no one from MPD has been able to comment on whether the three shootings we've reported are related, and if so, to what extent.

Tags: Petworth violence, shooting