A Saturday evening shooting in Southeast Washington, D.C., left one man dead and two others with critical injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The deceased has been identified as 18-year-old Dereon Womack.
Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 6:38 p.m. in the 3500 block of 22nd Place SE, the location of the Orchard Park Apartments. Upon arrival, they discovered three men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Mr. Womack was found in a driveway behind a residence and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was located inside a car near the home, while a third was found nearby at the intersection of 23rd Street and Savannah Street SE. One of the surviving men was conscious when found, while the other was unconscious.
D.C. Fire and EMS transported both surviving victims to a local hospital, where they are being treated for what officials described as critical, life-threatening injuries. Their identities have not been released by authorities.
Police investigation under way
The Metropolitan Police Department has launched a homicide investigation into the incident. Detectives are actively searching for a suspect vehicle, described as a dark-colored sedan that was last seen fleeing the area toward Southern Avenue, which marks the border between the District and Prince George's County, Maryland. This shooting adds to the persistent issue of gun violence in the nation's capital. According to the latest public data from the MPD, violent crime remains a significant challenge for the city. Homicide rates, while fluctuating, have been a major concern for residents and officials alike for several years. The area where Saturday's shooting occurred, located in Ward 8, has historically faced a disproportionate level of violent crime compared to other parts of the city, as seen in incidents like homes with children inside being hit by 23 bullets.
City officials and law enforcement have implemented various strategies to combat the rise in violence, including targeted patrols, community-based violence interruption programs, and investments in social services. However, incidents like the shooting at Orchard Park Apartments highlight the ongoing difficulties in containing gun-related violence and ensuring public safety for all residents.
A community in shock
The attack at the Orchard Park Apartments has sent shockwaves through the local community, a residential area that is now the center of a major police investigation. Such acts of violence inflict lasting trauma on neighborhoods, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that can erode the sense of security for families and children. The presence of police tape and the sounds of sirens are stark reminders of the fragility of peace in areas struggling with crime.
Community leaders often emphasize the need for greater resources and support in the aftermath of these tragedies. This includes mental health services for residents who witness or are affected by the violence, as well as safe spaces for young people. The investigation into Dereon Womack’s death will rely heavily on cooperation between law enforcement and the community they serve. Building trust is a critical component of solving such cases and preventing future violence.
The MPD’s ability to bring perpetrators to justice often depends on tips from the public. This reliance underscores the importance of community engagement and the role every citizen can play in maintaining safety. In nearby neighborhoods, residents have sometimes organized to demand greater police accountability and more effective, community-oriented solutions to crime, reflecting a complex and evolving relationship with law enforcement. A recent incident that led to the arrest of four teenagers at Navy Yard has also kept crime at the forefront of local conversations.
Call for information
The investigation is active and ongoing. The Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a homicide in the District of Columbia.
The department’s request for assistance highlights the critical role that public cooperation plays in solving violent crimes. Detectives rely on eyewitness accounts and any other available information to piece together the events and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the department's text tip line by texting 50411.
