Shots fired during car chase after downtown D.C. robbery

D.C. police are investigating an early Friday morning robbery near Dupont Circle and searching for several suspects — at least one of whom fired a gun at the victims during a car chase near the White House.

The robbery occurred near 18th Street and Jefferson Place in Northwest D.C. around 6 a.m. as several individuals confronted a group of five people and took cash and property from them, said Cmdr. George Kucik, of the Metropolitan Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division.

“After the robbery, two of the victims got in the car and apparently followed the suspect’s vehicle,” Cmdr. Kucik said. “Some gunshots were fired, at least one shot was fired, and the bullet struck the vehicle that was being driven by the victims.”

No one was injured in the shooting. The two victims who had pursued the suspects’ car — which is described as a silver or white Lincoln Town Car with a District license place number of EC0424 — then broke off their pursuit and drove to the White House where they asked for assistance from Secret Service agents.

Police are now trying to track down the Lincoln but were uncertain Friday if it was a stolen car.

The location of the robbery, a typically bustling area during the day, as well as the timing was unusual, Cmdr. Kucik said.

“We don’t have a lot in the middle of the week, in the morning at this time of day,” he said.

The fact the victims gave chase made it stand out more so, though police warned that it is not a course of action they recommend.

“The police department does not suggest that victims follow suspects. Our suggestion is for people to just call police and let us deal with it,” Cmdr. Kucik said. “Obviously if you are able to see a tag, note the tag, but don’t try to take the matter into your own hands.”

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