WASHINGTON — A man wanted for multiple crimes in Northwest D.C. is finally behind bars. During a press conference Friday, police claimed the man was targeting the Latino community.
Police arrested 18-year-old Kwesi Pyne of Takoma Park on Thursday morning after receiving a tip about a suspicious person carrying a weapon in the 3100 block of 16th Street.
As the officers approached Pyne, he reportedly took off. Police claim he tried to get rid of a handgun while fleeing, but police caught up with Pyne after about a mile. He was taken into custody on Taylor Street and the gun was recovered.
Pyne is now facing several charges, including carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.
Police say this is just one of Pyne's many crimes in the area that began in October 2023. Some of those crimes include; armed carjacking, robberies, and assaults. Police allege Pyne was targeting the Latino community
"The neighborhoods that were targeted were the Columbia Heights neighborhood, the Mount Pleasant, and the Fourth District along 16th Street, which are predominantly Latino communities. Immediately, upon seeing a pattern, our officers, who are also Latino and speak Spanish, work in these areas. They began outreach to members of the community, just to educate them on the threat of victims being targeted, potentially for their heritage." said MPD Commander James Boteler, Jr.
Officials believe Pyne may be responsible for other crimes, including:
- Armed Carjacking that occurred on October 30, 2023, in the 600 block of Randolph Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on January 10, 2024, in the 3800 block of 5th Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on January 24, 2024, in the 500 block of Kenyon Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on January 29, 2024, in the 2000 block of 15th Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on February 2, 2024, in the 1400 block of Irving Street, Northwest.
- Assault with Intent to Rob while Armed that occurred on February 7, 2024, in the 3100 block of Mt. Pleasant Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on February 7, 2024, in the 3400 block of Brown Street, Northwest.
- Armed Robbery that occurred on February 12, 2024, in the 3200 block of Mt. Pleasant Street, Northwest.
D.C. Police is asking community members to contact police if they have any information.
Anyone with information may contact detectives at (202) 727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.