WASHINGTON — A double shooting in Northwest D.C. has left a mother and her 5-year-old son injured and in critical condition, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (D.C. Police).
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. in the 1500 block of 10th Street, Northwest.
D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee says the shooting happened after there was some type of argument over a rental scooter. The suspect produced a handgun and fired at people, in the group. Another sibling escaped unharmed, police said.
Chief Contee called the shooting unacceptable.
“He should be ashamed of what he did to the family,” said Contee in his statements. “He has to be held accountable for his actions.”
Police did say that a man, later identified as 26-year-old Anthony Bedney, fled the scene on a bike and that there are officers looking to learn more about him.
“We are devastated, this family is devastated ….over nothing,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “There are several cases where children were in harm’s way. In this case, these children were near their home with their parents. There is no excuse.”
The mother's husband and son's father, Patrick Reilly, released the following statement to WUSA9 detailing how the incident unfolded.
"On Tuesday night while playing with our children in front of our house, a man stopped and threatened our family, then intentionally shot at us, hitting my wife, Katie, and our five-year-old son. Thanks to the quick work of first responders, they were taken to the hospital where medical teams continue to help them. They need our support now.
"We thank our family, friends, and community for keeping them in their thoughts and continue to ask for privacy during this difficult time. Tell your loved ones how you feel today and hug them tightly. Give blood if you can. Thank you," Reilly told WUSA9.
Police were reviewing Ring cameras in the neighborhood, and any other surveillance cameras in the area to try to identify Bedney.
Anyone with information about this case should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
WUSA9 will continue to provide updates on this story as more information comes into our newsroom.