Metropolitan Police Department releases surveillance footage of suspect in armed robbery on Half Street

Metropolitan Police are searching for a suspect who used the threat of a gun to steal a phone and password on Half Street SE. A $10,000 reward is offered.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 7:35 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from the Metropolitan Police Department (mpdc.dc.gov)

Armed Confrontation in Southeast D.C. Neighborhood

A violent encounter on Half Street has prompted a citywide search for an unidentified suspect. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the incident took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m. within the 1000 block of Half Street, Southeast. The victim was approached by a male suspect who initially demanded the password to the victim’s smartphone. When the victim refused to comply, the situation escalated rapidly as the suspect claimed to possess a firearm. Fearing for his safety, the victim surrendered both the device and the requested security information, after which the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Surveillance Evidence and Suspect Identification

Detectives from the First District have obtained and released a high-quality surveillance image of the individual believed to be responsible for the theft. The suspect was captured by nearby security cameras during the commission of the crime, providing law enforcement with a clear visual profile. The MPD is urging residents and business owners in the Half Street area to review their own security footage from the night of March 4th to see if the suspect’s movements were captured before or after the robbery. This visual evidence is currently the primary lead in an investigation that remains active and open.

The Rising Threat of "Digital Hijacking" Robberies

This specific robbery highlights a concerning trend in urban crime where suspects prioritize obtaining device passwords along with physical hardware. By coercing victims into providing credentials, criminals can bypass security features to access sensitive financial information, private data, or factory-reset the devices for resale. The MPD has noted that the threat of a weapon even if one is not physically brandished is a common tactic used to overcome victim resistance in these high-stakes digital thefts. Law enforcement continues to advise citizens to prioritize personal safety over property when faced with such threats.