At least four people were injured in a shooting on Friday afternoon in northwestern Washington, DC. The suspect, who was not identified, died of an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
During a press conference Friday night, Police Chief Robert J. Conti III said the suspect was in his nearby apartment, along with six firearms, pistols and a variety of ammunition. Preliminary investigation shows that the weapons were purchased legally.
“It was a very sniper setup,” Conti said, confirming that the suspect used a tripod and that the suspect intended to kill members of the community.
Authorities have not yet identified the motives for the shooting.
Earlier, the DC Police Department identified Raymond Spencer, 23, of Fairfax, Virginia, as a person of interest. Police did not identify him as a suspect Friday night, but said he was no longer wanted.
🚨MPD is looking for the person below who is of interest in connection with the shooting at block 2900 on Van Ness Street, NW. This person is 23-year-old Raymond Spencer from Fairfax, Virginia. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ziR0Vutw0p
– DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 22, 2022
The investigation into the shooting continues. There is no longer a threat to society, Conti confirmed.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire near Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness NW Street. A woman in her 30s, a woman in her 60s, a 54-year-old man – a retired DC police officer, according to Conti – and a 12-year-old girl were injured in the shooting. A 60-year-old woman received medical treatment on the spot. The other three have been transported to local hospitals and are in stable condition, Assistant Chief of Police Stuart Emerman said earlier on Friday.
4.22.22 DC officials provide additional update for shooting at block 2900 on Van Ness Street, NW https://t.co/htb5FldGK4
– DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 22, 2022
The shooting took place near the University of Columbia and an independent college preparatory school. Both were closed for several hours. Authorities said Friday night that almost all students at the preparatory school had reunited with their families.
It is unclear whether the suspect had ties to schools.
Authorities are responding to the shooting in Washington
During an afternoon press conference, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concern for the wounded.
“We pray for their health and well-being,” she said.
Video and photos shared on Twitter show employees entering a residential building in the area as well as evacuating locals.
#BREAKING – @DCPoliceDept confirms 3 people shot.
You can see that there are officers with long weapons focused on Van Ness NW.
What it looks like is also a mobile shield. @ Wusa9 pic.twitter.com/xh0Zbf14ho
– Evan Coslof (@ekoslof) April 22, 2022
#BREAKING – @DCPoliceDept confirms 3 people shot.
You can see that there are officers with long weapons focused on Van Ness NW.
What it looks like is also a mobile shield. @ Wusa9 pic.twitter.com/xh0Zbf14ho
– Evan Coslof (@ekoslof) April 22, 2022
The uniformed officers of the US Secret Service and the FBI Washington Field also responded to the scene.
Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to call the DC Police Department.
Current news
Tori B. Powell
Tori B. Powell is an extraordinary news reporter for CBS News. Contact her at tori.powell@viacomcbs.com
Add Comment