Wave of teen muggings sparks fear, increased patrols in Northwest
Teen suspects in Northwest muggings still on the loose
A string of violent muggings and robberies allegedly carried out by the same group of juveniles has residents in Northwest D.C. on edge, with police stepping up patrols in response. FOX 5's Bob Barnard has the story.
WASHINGTON - A string of violent muggings and robberies allegedly carried out by the same group of juveniles has residents in Northwest D.C. on edge, with police stepping up patrols in response.
Muggings and robberies in Northwest
What we know:
The latest attack happened last week near Kennedy and 13th streets, where a man was robbed and beaten while walking alone. Metropolitan Police Department officers have since increased their presence in the area, with flashing patrol lights and unmarked vehicles now a common sight.
Authorities believe the same group of teenagers is responsible for a series of recent muggings in the Crestwood and 16th Street Heights neighborhoods.
Caught on camera: DC mom mugged by masked teens on bikes
A woman in Northwest D.C. is sharing her harrowing experience after being mugged in front of her neighbor’s house — the latest in a series of attacks that have left residents shaken and frustrated in the area.
The suspects, who have been repeatedly caught on camera, target pedestrians for their phones and purses.
However, the footage has not been clear enough to identify them.
Residents on edge after attacks
What they're saying:
Among the victims is Meagan Breidert, who was mugged along with her mother on Inauguration Day while walking near 14th and Farragut streets.
"My mom was up against the fence with two assailants. There were four in total. I was on the ground looking up at them, checking for any kind of weapons first and foremost," Breidert said. "They were asking, ‘Give me what you have.’"
VIDEO: Piano teacher mugged moments after giving lesson at Northwest DC home
Police are searching for the young thieves who mugged a piano teacher on her way home from a lesson in Northwest D.C. Wednesday night.
She remains hopeful that law enforcement will make arrests.
"I do think that law enforcement and those folks have a line on what's going on, and I’m looking forward to it coming to fruition. But I know we need to follow due process," she said.
Ward 4E Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Maria Barry
Maria Barry, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, said the situation has left residents feeling unsafe.
"If you have to be caught in the act to be arrested, I think that is what is really next level for us," Barry said. "My antenna is a lot more up, and I am nervous every night because I hear another violent crime has happened — another robbery, another mugging, another assault."
Police increase patrols
Barry shared a photo of a recent community meeting with MPD leadership, where residents voiced their concerns and police officials outlined efforts to address the crime spree.
MPD says officers have stepped up patrols in the affected neighborhoods in an effort to catch the suspects before they strike again.
Meanwhile, residents told FOX 5 they are adjusting their daily routines. Some now take out their garbage only during daylight hours, while others have changed their walking routes to avoid areas where previous attacks have occurred.
MPD has not yet announced any arrests in connection with the recent robberies.