First Degree Murder Charge Filed Against 15-Year-Old Boy: Police

WASHINGTON, DC — Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a teenage boy in connection with the fatal shooting Sunday of 20-year-old Nathaniel Ford of Southeast, according to a police release.

Around 10:05 p.m. Sunday, officers from the Seventh District responded to the 2300 block of Hartford Street, Southeast, for the report of a shooting. They found Ford in the hallway of the building suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. D.C. Fire and EMS transported Ford to an area hospital for treatment, but all lifesaving efforts failed and he was pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation revealed two people approached Ford and fired shots, which were heard by Special Police Officers. The officers spotted the two individuals armed with handguns fleeing the scene. During the pursuit, there was an exchange of gunfire between one of the individuals and one of the officers.

Seventh District officers responded a short time later to the 2700 block of Bruce Place, Southeast, where they discovered a teenage boy suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Following the detectives' investigation of the case, police arrested the boy, whom they believed had been shot as a result of the Special Police Officer firing his gun.

MPD arrested a 15-year-old boy on Monday, charging him with first degree murder while armed in reference to this offense. This remains an open investigation. MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any persons responsible for committing a homicide in the District. Police ask anyone with information about this case to call 202-727-9099 or send an anonymous tip by text to 50411.