This May -- just the 2nd month of operation -- we had more than 56,000 riders on the DC Circulator route through Ward 1. 

 

It is now the second most popular Circulator route!  

 

This is a very satisfying result for me, since I had worked hard to establish this new limited stop, express route this past March.  

 

The route stops at the following locations:

These are the only stops, which makes this is a very quick way to connect between these neighborhood commercial districts.

 

The Circulator is just $1 and you can transfer for free with your SmarTrip card from any Metrobus.  You can also use your SmarTrip Card to transfer from Metrorail for 50 cents.  Senior/Disabled fare is 50 cents (free with Metrorail transfer). 

 

You can get more information at the DC Circulator website: www.dccirculator.com.

MPD has made arrests in two homicide cases in Ward One.  Thanks to Chief Cathy Lanier and her team of detectives for closing these cases.  Closing cases in these high profile homicides bring comfort to the families and friends of the victims as well as whole communities.

 

On May 15, 2009, Marcus Robertson was shot and killed in front of Trinity Towers, in Columbia Heights.  Robert Larry Brock, 28 years old, of Beltsville, MD, has been arrested in this case.

 

Two days ago, on June 22, 2009, Ryan Randy Trotman of Maryland was killed on the 600 block of Quebec Pl.  MPD has arrested Troy Renard Thomas, 18 years old, of the 3000 block of 3rd St., NW in this case.

 

I want to extend my sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and hope these arrests will bring a sense of justice to their hearts.

This morning I sent out the message, below.

 

By early afternoon, I received a call from media with a rumor that the shooter was an intern in my office.

 

I could hardly believe what I heard…all the same, I confronted the young man with this incredible report. He had started work in my office only this week, and had been absent for the better part of two days.

 

He had been at the Convention Center for the summer youth program. In response to my direct questions,  he denied any involvement with the afternoon shooting.

 

I also contacted a high ranking MPD official, who assured me that MPD at that time had no suspects.

 

I then went to the Mayor's press conference on gang violence at 14th and Irving. During the press conference, I heard MPD announce that they had a suspect and expected to make an arrest before the end of the day.

 

When I got back to the office, after 5 PM, all the interns had left. But I received a call from MPD saying they had a warrant for the intern's arrest on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

 

I then called the intern, whose is a 19 year old named Devyn Black, and told him there was a warrant out for his arrest.

 

I advised him that the best course for action was for him to turn himself in, and cooperate with eh police.

 

I offered to come and get him in my car and take him to the Third District headquarters at 17th and V.

 

He agreed, and I went and got him. He surrendered to police and 3D, was charged and is now in custody.

 

It's  very sad and upsetting. But he did the right thing ultimately.

 

Have a good and safe weekend.