“Man Dead After Vehicle Recovered from Anacostia River: Michael Jerome Dennis Identified as Victim”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Metropolitan Police Department Announces New Training Aimed at Calming Potentially Dangerous Situations

In an effort to improve community relations and promote de-escalation techniques, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, DC is introducing new training for all its officers. Beginning in 2024, both new and existing officers will undergo the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) training, which has been successful in reducing force incidents and injuries in other major cities across the country.

The ICAT training, developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in response to the unrest in 2014 and 2015, will be a 16-hour course provided at no cost to MPD by PERF. The course will focus on teaching officers how to effectively communicate and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, rather than resorting to force. Officers will learn techniques that utilize time, distance, and cover to safely handle critical incidents.

“We want our officers to demonstrate empathy, passion, and care, but also not be afraid to take necessary law enforcement actions to protect our community,” said Chief of MPD, Pamela A. Smith. “The goal of ICAT is not to eliminate uses of force but provide our officers additional skills that allow them to handle a range of critical incidents safely and successfully.”

The ICAT training will supplement the mental health first aid training and Crisis Intervention Officer certification that MPD officers have already received since 2022. This collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health has better equipped officers to respond to individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges.

The MPD aims to provide its officers with the best knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively handle challenging situations they encounter on a daily basis. By incorporating ICAT training into their professional development, MPD is taking proactive steps towards improving community safety and ensuring the well-being of both citizens and officers.

Man Dead After Vehicle Recovered from Anacostia River

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit is currently investigating the death of a man whose vehicle was found submerged in the Anacostia River. On December 25, 2023, an uninvolved witness reported a vehicle in the river near the 700 block of Anacostia Drive SE and the 11th Street Bridge.

According to the preliminary investigation, a silver 2011 Chevy Tahoe was traveling northbound on Anacostia Drive SE when it crossed over the designated footpath and grass embankment, ultimately entering the Anacostia River. The MPD Harbor Patrol Unit and DC Fire Rescue Dive Team responded to the scene and were able to recover the man from the vehicle. Despite life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead.

The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Michael Jerome Dennis from Southeast, DC. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the MPD at 202-727-9099 or submit an anonymous tip to the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.

Wanted Suspect Sought in a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch is actively searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred in the 1400 block of L Street, Southeast. On November 4, 2023, officers responded to a shooting in the area and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim, identified as 22-year-old Charles Towles from Southeast, DC, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect in this case has been identified as 20-year-old Tremon Jackson, also from Southeast, DC. Jackson is wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Second Degree Murder While Armed. The MPD urges anyone with information on Jackson’s whereabouts to contact the department at 202-727-9099 or provide anonymous tips through the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.

Man Dies After Being Struck by Car

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred in Northeast, DC. On December 22, 2023, emergency services responded to an unconscious person in an alley in the 1100 block of 5th Street, Northeast. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male with trauma who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, it was determined that the man had fallen to the ground in the alley. A short time later, an unknowing driver struck the man while he was lying on the ground. The driver of the vehicle has been cooperating with detectives. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries, ruling it as an accident.

The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old Samuel Thornton from Northeast, DC. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the MPD at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips via the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.

Arrests Made in Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Theft One Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced the arrests of individuals involved in recent unauthorized use of a vehicle and theft one (stolen auto) offenses in Washington, DC. On December 17, 2023, 28-year-old Antonio Lee from Northwest, DC, was arrested for an unauthorized use of a vehicle offense that occurred in the 1300 block of H Street, Northeast. The following day, 29-year-old Marquell Cooper, with no fixed address, was arrested for an unauthorized use of a vehicle offense in the 100 block of 5th Street, Southeast.

These arrests demonstrate the MPD’s commitment to addressing and preventing property crimes in the District of Columbia. The department encourages residents to report any suspicious activities or provide tips related to unauthorized vehicle use or theft. By working together, the community and law enforcement can help maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

MPD Arrests Man for October Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch has made an arrest in connection with a shooting that occurred in Northeast, DC in October 2023. On October 16, 2023, officers responded to a shooting in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast, where they found 28-year-old Davon Fuller from Northwest, DC, with gunshot wounds. Fuller was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

On December 27, 2023, 28-year-old Deandre Miles from Northeast, DC, turned himself in to the Homicide Branch. He was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated) pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant. This arrest highlights the MPD’s dedication to seeking justice for victims and ensuring the safety of the community.

Two Dead, Two Critically Injured in Shooting, MPD Searching for Suspect Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect vehicle involved in a shooting that resulted in two deaths and two critically injured individuals. On December 21, 2023, officers responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of Half Street Southwest and discovered three men and a woman with gunshot wounds. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the three men were transported to local hospitals.

One of the injured men has since died, while the other two remain in critical condition. The MPD has released an image of the suspect vehicle, a white 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Maryland license plate 2FD0820, which was captured by nearby surveillance cameras. The vehicle is believed to be involved in an armed carjacking that occurred near Blair Street and Kansas Street, Northwest.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect vehicle or the shooting is urged to contact the MPD at 202-727-9099 or provide anonymous tips through the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.

Victims Identified in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch is investigating a shooting that claimed the lives of a man and a woman in Southwest, DC. On December 21, 2023, officers responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of Half Street Southwest and found three men and a woman with gunshot wounds. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the three men were transported to local hospitals.

One of the injured men has since died, one was treated and released, and the other remains hospitalized. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Patricia Harris and 24-year-old Tyrone Jacobs, both from Southwest, DC. A suspect vehicle matching the description previously released was recovered in Prince George’s County, but confirmation is still pending due to the condition of the vehicle.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the MPD urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided to the MPD at 202-727-9099 or anonymously through the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.

MPD Conducts Traffic Safety Compliance Checkpoint in Northeast DC

As traffic fatalities continue to increase in the District of Columbia, the Metropolitan Police Department conducted a traffic safety compliance checkpoint in Northeast DC. The checkpoint aimed to promote safe driving practices and ensure compliance with traffic laws.

The MPD is committed to improving traffic safety and reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on DC roads. Through initiatives like compliance checkpoints and increased enforcement, the department hopes to create a safer environment for all road users.

For any information related to the incidents mentioned above or to report a crime, individuals are encouraged to call the MPD at 202-727-9099 or provide anonymous tips through the TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC also offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of individuals responsible for crimes in the District of Columbia..