Shootout at DC Ward 5 shopping center occurs just before councilmember hosts safety walk

WASHINGTON (7News) — A shootout at a shopping center in D.C.'s fifth ward Friday afternoon occurred just as Councilmember Brooke Pinto and community members were between two different public safety walks.

Employees at a T-Mobile store in Hechinger Mall went home after a bullet pierced the door.

Witnesses told 7News a dispute broke out around 11 a.m. in the parking lot and bullets went flying. Fortunately, no one was hit.

At America’s Best Wings, a terrified business owner said his store window and his car were shot up.

“Suddenly the bullet was coming through the window,” said a business owner who did not want to be named.

MORE | DC pub owner among those to testify at House judiciary hearing over rising crime

“It’s scary, of course it’s scary. How you gonna do the business here,” he added.

Ward 5 was the second stop Friday for Councilmember Brooke Pinto who is visiting all 8 of D.C.’s Wards. She is walking and talking with residents and gathering ideas for the legislation she plans to sponsor. Pinto said she hopes the legislation will cut crime in the city which is soaring this year compared to last, with homicides and robberies about 30% higher and carjackings up over 100%.

“Public safety is on the minds of residents in all 8 wards in D.C., and it’s really important for me as the Chair of Judiciary and Public Safety to make sure that legislation that I'm moving forward is informed by the public,” Pinto said.

During the crime walk, Pinto heard from members of the community and business owners about crime in their neighborhood.

Greta Feldman, a resident, told Pinto that her house had been hit by bullets “from a gunfight that went back and forth.” She said that was about 18 months ago, but that recently the shooting has started up again with 50 rounds of automatic gunfire.

“Public safety is on the mind of residents in all 8 wards in DC,” Pinto said, “and it’s really important for me as the chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee to make sure that the legislation that I’m moving forward is informed by the public.”

Walking with Pinto were Zachary Parker, the Ward 5 councilmember, Sylvan Altieri, the MPD 5th District Commander and 20 or more residents.

Also among the walkers was ANC Commissioner Kathy Henderson, whose district includes the Hechinger Mall.

“This is absurd. This is ridiculous, wanton brazen lawlessness,” Henderson said of the Hechinger incident.

T-Mobile sent about a dozen employees home from the store after they’d initially closed metal gates and remained inside, a bullet hole prominent in the middle of the glass door.

The anonymous restaurant owner said after the shooters failed to hit the would-be victim, they fled. Shortly after, the young man returned, picked up a scooter and rode away.