Multiple suspects are wanted for shooting two men, stealing two puppies at gunpoint and committing an armed robbery all within an hour Wednesday in D.C.
The thieves approached the first victim at about 4:10 p.m. in the 5400 block of Kansas Avenue NW and the second victim at about 4:30 p.m. in the 2000 block of 8th Street NW. They threatened both victims with a gun, demanded their dogs and property and took off in a car, police said.
The stolen puppies are a 1-year-old male French bulldog named Bruno, who was wearing a black collar and black leash, and a 10-week-old male Australian shepherd named Pablo, who has black and brown fur and a blue left eye.
The stolen dogs, Bruno (left) and Pablo (right).
One of Bruno’s owners said he was walking the dog when four boys jumped out of an SUV.
“One brandished a weapon. I told them I didn’t have anything for them to take. He said, ‘Well, we want your dog,’” the man said.
The thieves smashed his phone, took his wallet and grabbed the dog.
Jamaica Wade, Bruno’s other owner, said they just want Bruno back.
“One through 10, I’m at a 100 with anxiety for him,” she said. “I didn’t get any sleep last night … I’m just hoping he comes back, and safe,” she said.
Two men were shot and two puppies were stolen in a crime spree in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. One victim describes the terrifying ordeal. Correction: Police initially said Pablo was taken in Northeast D.C., which the map in the video shows. Police later corrected the address to Northwest D.C.
The owners of the other dog described their terrifying ordeal on 8th Street NW. Rick Olecka said he was waiting with the dog, Pablo, as Abby Sevcik went into CVS. The thieves surrounded him.
“I just felt a gun basically at my stomach, and he’s saying, ‘Let me get your dog,’” Olecka said.
Less than 10 minutes later, officers heard gunshots in the 2100 block of 4th Street NE, where they found two men who had been shot. The victims were taken to hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening, authorities said. A motive for the shooting is not yet known.
The suspects are also wanted for an armed robbery that took place at about 4:50 p.m. in the 1300 block of 2nd Street NE. They approached the victim, took out a gun, stole property and fled in a vehicle, police said.
Metropolitan Police Department Two suspects are pictured here.
Authorities said that the vehicle involved in the crimes has been recovered, but the suspects are still on the loose. D.C. police shared images of two suspects but did not say exactly how many people may have been involved.
The Humane Rescue Alliance says it will keep an eye out for the stolen dogs out in D.C. and at their facilities.
Back in Brightwood Park, where the dog Bruno was stolen, Wade said it’s not the first time she’s dealt with crime. Someone stole her car from outside her house last summer as she unloaded groceries. Video shows another car pulling up next to hers. Then someone jumps into the driver’s seat and takes off. She said she’s tired of feeling unsafe.
“I definitely feel like the crime is out of control. The fact that they’re stealing cars, they’re stealing dogs, what’s next, you know?” she said.
Both couples offered rewards for the safe return of their dogs.
Anyone with information should take no action but call police at (202)-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is available.
Editor’s Note: Police initially said Pablo was taken in Northeast D.C., but later corrected the address to Northwest D.C. This article has been updated.