Armed Robbery on the Metropolitan Branch Trail

According to Captain  Jeff Brown of the Metropolitan Police Department's 5th District, a man was accosted and robbed the night of January 25, 2012 around 6pm while walking on the Metropolitan Branch Trail.  Today, the following was posted on the MPD-5D group page and transmitted to the Metropolitan Branch Trail listserv page:

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at approximately 6:15 pm, an area resident was walking on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail in the area of 3rd & R Street, Northeast , when he was accosted by three individuals. One subject produced a weapon and demanded the victim’s possessions. After complying and without provocation, the victim was punched in the face. The victim then attempted to flee from the scene and sustained a graze gunshot wound to the hip area after the suspect fired his weapon.

All three suspects then fled on foot. The victim received treatment for his injuries and an area hospital. The Metropolitan Police Department continues its investigation into the identity of these three individuals.

To ensure this area remains safe for all, the bike trail will be monitored and patrolled by officers on a regular basis.

On the Met Branch Trail group, members suggested bike caravans to travel along the trail.  Kelly Pack of the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy sent an email to the group regarding that proposal and the incident on the trail.(the caravan or "Bike Buddy" table discussed below is open only to MetBranchTrail group members):

While I was upset to hear about this incident, I am always heartened by the response of trail users on this listserv. It is people like you who are true “ambassadors” for the trail and will continue to make it feel like a safe, welcoming place. Our former colleague, Stephen Miller, created a Biking Buddy list within this Yahoo group. You can use it or take others’ suggestions on this listserv – I really like the idea of waiting for another trail user so that you’re essentially traveling with someone. Here’s the info:

Re: the “bike buddy” list, a table was created within this Yahoo Group that is only visible to group members. You can use it to provide information if you are looking for a bike buddy:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/metbranchtrail/database?method=reportRows&tbl=1

It can also be accessed by clicking "Database" on the left-hand menu and clicking "Biking Buddy."

To add your information, click "Add Record."

Also, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy plans to continue running programs this spring and summer to provide activities and additional presence on the trail. We’ll be sure to post a calendar of events on this listserv and on the facebook page so that you can participate or volunteer. We will continue to work with DDOT, the local schools and neighborhood associations and groups to plan programs. If you have a great idea for a one-time event or a regular series of activities, please get in touch! We’ll also be working with the Student Conservation Association to recruit students for a 6-week MBT ‘conservation corps’ program and we’re also looking into the possibility of recruiting and placing a couple part-time bike ambassadors on the trail this summer.

Stay tuned for more info.

We'd like to hear your thoughts on about crime near or on the trail and your suggestions to reduce it. This is a community amenity that we should not abandon.