WASHINGTON — Surveillance video that shows a group of armed men robbing a group of people outside of a restaurant in Southwest D.C. is garnering strong reactions on social media and among District residents.
Police say the incident happened Monday just before 11 p.m.
The footage seen millions of times on social media shows a group of four men jump out of a black SUV pointing their guns at their victims outside the restaurant Phillipe Chow in the District Wharf.
The group of patrons is seen on ducking on the ground as the robbers take their belongings and escape in the black SUV.
Phillipe Chow confirmed to WUSA9 that the victims had just left their establishment adding in a statement, "The safety of our staff and guests is our greatest priority, and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Department to aid in any way we can in this ongoing investigation."
DC Police have since shared the video and are asking the public for assistance identifying the robbers and the vehicles used in the crime.
"Shocked, amazed, you know afraid, upset. Wondering what it is they need, what are they looking for," that was Lamonica Bolton's reaction after seeing the video on social media. Her daughter lives in the apartment building across the street and says she is concerned about her only child's safety.
People that work in the area say that this is not the first time a robbery happens in this narrow roadway of Parker Row. They believe the high-end clientele that the restaurant attracts is being targeted, and that the quick access to Maine Avenue SW makes for a perfect getaway.
"My heart hurts because it could put an ugly face on the area which is what we don't want. With the security that is invested in the area, you can see police presence all the time," another Southwest resident told WUSA9.
The armed robbery just a glimpse of the crime the District is facing this year.
Police data shows nearly 2,800 robberies in D.C. so far this year. That's a 69% increase compared this year compared to the same time last year.
Councilmember Brooke Pinto who chairs the Committee on the Judiciary and Public safety called the attack "brazen" and advocated for her permanent safety legislation that is being considered by the D.C. Council.