Former intern for Sen. Rob Portman, AU grad killed in Shaw shooting

WASHINGTON - A 23-year-old former intern for Ohio Senator Rob Portman was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in northwest D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood, police say. The search continues for a suspect in the apparent drive-by shooting.

The victim has been identified as Matthew Shlonsky. On Twitter, Portman said Sunday, "Today we learned of a terrible tragedy. Matt Shlonksy was a talented young man with a bright future who was taken from us too soon. He was an outstanding intern for me. Jane's & my thoughts & prayers are w/ his family & friends & the Cle community during this difficult time."

D.C. police said officers were called to the 1800 block of 7th Street NW for reports of the shooting. They found Shlonsky near the Shaw-Howard University Metro Station. He was taken to the hospital, but did not survive his injuries.

According to Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Alexander Padro, D.C. police told him Shlonsky was not the intended target and instead, he was caught in the crossfire between two shooters. Witnesses at the scene described hearing a string of gunshots, possibly eight or nine and maybe more, FOX 5's Alexandra Limon reported.

Padro adds there has been a big problem with drugs, specifically crack, in the neighborhood. There's no evidence at this point that Saturday's shooting is linked to the drug problems.

According to Shlonsky's social media pages, he recently graduated from American University and worked at Deloitte. His family in Ohio tells FOX 5 they still have very little information about what happened.

His fraternity brothers at American University say Matt was a friend to everyone, he lived life to the fullest and he will be missed.

Investigators are looking for a burgundy Chrysler 300 with Maryland license plates and a sunroof in connection to the murder.

There were extra police in the area of the shooting on Sunday night.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call D.C. Police at (202) 727-9099.