WASHINGTON — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham have put more officers on the street after the increase of homicides and shootings in the District in 2019.
As of Monday night, 131 people have been killed in the District. The most recent, a 19-year-old man in Northwest late Sunday night.
Newsham said this year has been a challenge with the shootings and in order to solve these cases officers need the public's help.
He said there will be an increase of police in the 3rd, 5th and 6th districts. Newsham believes the presence of police will make the community feel safer.
"Whatever resources are needed to get the shootings under control," Newsham said. This is not a police problem, this is not a public problem it's an everyone problem.
In addition to the increasing murder rate, more than half of this year’s homicide cases are still unsolved.
Newsham spoke about Sunday's homicide. It happened around 10:20 p.m. while a 19-year-old was riding a moped.
There was an exchange gunfire and he was shot in the torso. He was taken to the hospital where he died.
Police do have an suspect or motive information at this time.
There will also be a increased police presence in Columbia Heights where five people where shot and one person died in September.
Police are searching for the vehicle of interest. It was last seen in the 1300 block of Columbia Road.
Officials believe two suspects where in the car at the time of the shooting. One was using a powerful weapon and the other had a standard handgun.
If you have any information in either of these incidents, call D.C. police at 202-727-9099.
There is a $25,000 reward for homicide cases. There must be an arrest and a conviction.
Mayor Bowser and Chief Newsham’s announcement coincides with National Crime Prevention Month.