Potential emerging pattern” after Second Transgendered Person Attacked in DC

From MPD:

Police Investigation Involving Victims from the Transgender Community

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating two separate incidents and is seeking help from the community.

The first crime is the homicide shooting of Myles ‘Lashay’ Mclean . This occurred on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at approximately 4:30 a.m. in the 6100 block of Dix Street NE. The victim and a witness were in the block when two subjects walked directly towards them. One subject started asking a question, and without provocation pulled a semi-automatic handgun and fired, killing the victim. The suspects are described as two black males in their late teens to early 20s. The first suspect is described as being 6-feet-tall with a thin build and light complexion. The shooter is described as being shorter and having a darker complexion than the other suspect. The case is being investigated by the Homicide Branch.

The recent case happened Sunday, July 31, 2011 at approximately 2:45 a.m. The victim was in the 6200 block of Dix Street NE when a suspect approached on foot. The suspect asked for change and without waiting for a reply pulled a semi-automatic handgun and shot at the victim, without hitting the victim. The suspect is described as a black male, 17-19 years old, 5‘6”, 180 lbs, dark complexion. The case is being investigated by the Sixth District Detectives Unit.

Both cases involved transgender victims. Due to the similarities of the victims’ sexual self-identification, M.O., locations, and lookout for suspects, the cases are being investigated as a potential emerging pattern.

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District, the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) and Prince George’s County Police Department have teamed together to enhance patrol efforts in the area where the crimes have occurred. The GLLU is focusing on making contact with people in the area. We will ensure that flyers are distributed on both crimes.

We are enlisting the support of our outreach partners such as Transgender Health Empowerment (THE) and other members of the Transgender community to join in on sending the message of safety.

- “Do not walk alone.”
- “Report suspicious persons and activities immediately to us.”

We will also seek social services to provide materials that will assist those that work and reside in the area.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia .

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to DC CRIME SOLVERS at 1-800-673-2777 and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Police-Community Online Group for alerts to members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Communities: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MPD-slu/ (Membership List Private)

blog comments powered by Disqus