After allegedly firing a gun in the direction of police late Wednesday afternoon in northwest Washington, D.C., a male suspect made an attempt to scale electrical wires to escape capture.
The man, who was standing on a rooftop naked when he allegedly started shooting rounds and exposed himself, was reportedly dealing with a mental health issue. He tried to leave the area after putting his clothing back on.
Jim Lokay, the evening anchor for FOX5, tweeted a number of times to update viewers on the current events.
“BREAKING: Several streets blocked off in the Brightwood Park section of NW DC around Georgia Ave and Kennedy St as an armed man is standing on a rooftop, and also exposing himself. More to come on #FOX5DC on air and online,” he posted on his Twitter.
BREAKING: Several streets blocked off in the Brightwood Park section of NW DC around Georgia Ave and Kennedy St as an armed man is standing on a rooftop, and also exposing himself. More to come on #FOX5DC on air and online. pic.twitter.com/0VyQUWxE8M
— Jim Lokay (@LokayFOX5) September 7, 2022
Although the individual managed to elude capture during police efforts to catch him near the intersection of Kennedy St. and Georgia Ave., authorities were able to seize a handgun from the area. Officers stated that they did not view the individual as an active threat despite the fact that the situation was still evolving.
MPD Investigation at Georgia Ave, & Jefferson St, NW
— DC Police Traffic (@DCPoliceTraffic) September 7, 2022
⛔️ 5400 Block of Georgia Ave, NW btw Jefferson St & Kennedy St, NW (North/South)
⛔️ 1200 Block of Jefferson St, NW btw Georgia Ave, & 13th St, NW (East/West)
🚗 Watch for MPD directions > Closures are subject to change
D.C. Officers from Metro Police cordoned off a number of roadways as part of their ongoing efforts to conduct more research.
The suspect made a highly dangerous escape attempt utilizing the power lines above the street, according to a number of subsequent tweets.
Happening Now: intersection Georgia and Jefferson NW shut down. Man seen here has disrobed and is trying to swing on power lines. DC police trying to get him to come down @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/jhMX9J62zC
— Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) September 7, 2022
“Happening Now: intersection of Georgia and Jefferson NW shut down. Man seen here has disrobed and is trying to swing on power lines. DC police are trying to get him to come down,” NBC4 reporter Jackie Benson added.
We’re at the scene where a man is running across roofs of homes on Jefferson and 13th in NW D.C. Just moments ago he was walking across power lines. pic.twitter.com/5TVD5wrPzC
— Christian Flores (@CFloresNews) September 7, 2022
Reporter for 7NewsDC Christian Flores observed that the man had also used rooftops for some of his time in hiding.