Police helicopter and crime center coordination lead to three robbery arrests in DC

Police helicopter and crime center coordination lead to three robbery arrests in DC
Quick Arrest Made in Northwest D.C. Robbery Attempt WASHINGTON, DC - Following a Northwest robbery attempt, D.C. Metro Police Department’s Third District detectives have swiftly apprehended a suspect. The incident occurred today around 2:53 PM, in the 1200 block of W Street, Northwest. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Lenare Leath, Jr. of Northwest D.C., allegedly brandished a knife and pushed the victim to the ground in an attempt to steal their property. After a struggle, the suspect fled empty-handed but was quickly caught by responding officers. The victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Leath has been charged with Assault with Intent to Commit Robbery. Photo 107991078 | Arrest © Oleg Dudko | Dreamstime.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three teenagers were arrested on Friday after a coordinated response by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and air support unit quickly tracked down suspects in an armed robbery in Southeast Washington.

The incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. on Friday in the 4400 block of H Street, Southeast. Police say four armed suspects approached four victims, demanded their property, and fled the scene in a red SUV after the victims complied.

Within an hour, RTCC investigators located one of the suspects and identified the red SUV used in the robbery. MPD’s helicopter, Falcon 1, tracked the vehicle’s movements, and Seventh District patrol officers intercepted and stopped it, arresting three suspects and recovering a firearm.

The suspects, all 17-year-old males, include two from Southeast D.C. and one from Northeast D.C. They face charges of armed robbery, carrying a pistol without a license, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

MPD’s investigation is ongoing, and a reward of up to $10,000 is available for information leading to further arrests or convictions in this case.

A coordinated police response from the air and ground brought three robbery suspects into custody within an hour.