Northeast Washington bike path is the scene of several crimes
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA) -- A Northeast Washington community is exasperated after a college intern was robbed at gunpoint in a brazen, daylight attack, part of which was caught on surveillance video.
That crime was just the latest in a series of disturbing incidents along the Rhode Island Avenue bike trail.
The path was ushered into the community with great fanfare last summer, but now, it appears, it's attracted criminals, along with runners and cyclists. In fact, in just the last few months, there have been 8 attacks, including one this morning.
Surveillance video shows two young men walking along the path. The suspect is wearing a light-colored shirt. The victim, in a dark shirt, is a college student just steps away from his internship.
"First thing he told me was that I got robbed. He just didn't look well," said Kevin Smith, the victim's supervisor.
Out of view of the camera, the suspect allegedly walked his victim to a remote area and took his wallet and cell phone at gunpoint. The tape shows the suspect casually returning from the alleged crime, before breaking into a run.
"I was really upset because that's family and I'm just glad he was still alive and all they took was his merchandise and not his life," said Trevor Armstrong, the victim's cousin.
The crime was reportedly the eighth violent incident in recent weeks.
"There's been four taser attacks," said Tarelle Brown, who works nearby. "Four people have gotten tasered and robbed that I know of."
Less than 24 hours earlier, someone even scaled the roof of the Art & Drama Therapy Institute to cut the wires to their security cameras. But there was a backup.
"This needs to be a wake up call. Really you're putting everybody in harm's way if you do not get security here. There are people jogging on this bike trail," said Darrion Gates of The Art And Drama Therapy Institute.
"It's heartbreaking and it has to end. We all have to band up and senseless crimes just have to end," said Smith.
This bike trail runs from Catholic University all the way to Union Station.
When a crime happens, 9News has been told police will come, but the people who work in the area would like to see more security, around the clock.
Written by Andrea McCarren
9NEWS NOW & WUSA9.COM