January 13-27 Crime Blotter: Car Break-Ins, Robberies; Murder Suspect Arrested -

Image Courtesy of Patrick D. Lewis

By Patrick D. Lewis

Information for this crime report is taken from only official CUA Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, and Metro Transit Police statistics, statements, records, and notifications, unless otherwise noted. Times of crimes and additional details are given where possible.

Welcome to the first crime report of the semester, covering the first two weeks of classes. Crime has dropped significantly in the city over the past year, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office reporting that the District saw a 30% decrease in killings and shootings in 2024 versus 2023. However, violent crime and motor vehicle thefts continue to impact the community near campus. Car break-ins have plagued campus and the neighborhood in recent days, according to DPS and MPD releases and reports.

On January 24, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 29-year old Rogea Murray for the murder of Townsend “Reggie” Sowell, who was shot and killed in the 2800 block of 7th St., NE, several blocks south of campus, on September 2, 2024. Murray was charged with First Degree Murder. A second suspect had been arrested months earlier. According to court documents, the shooting occurred following an argument between the suspects and the victim.

January 13

Motor Vehicle Theft: 100 bl. Michigan Ave., NE

January 14

Robbery: 600 bl. Michigan Ave., NE

January 15

None

January 16

Motor Vehicle Theft: 100 bl. Michigan Ave., NE

January 17

Robbery: 7th and Lawrence Streets, NE. Three suspects implied they had a firearm and stole a Canada Goose jacket from the victim, who we have confirmed is a Catholic University student. The suspects, described as juvenile Black males, fled the scene on foot (8:45 p.m.).
Theft From Business: 3900 bl. 12th St., NE (2:57 p.m.)
Motor Vehicle Theft: 3900 bl. 9th St., NE
Motor Vehicle Theft: 200 bl. Webster St., NE
Stabbing (Domestic): 800 bl. Taylor St., NE. A suspect stabbed the victim during an argument. (12:47 a.m.).

January 18

Motor Vehicle Theft: 3200 bl. 10th St., NE

January 19

None

January 20

None

January 21

None

January 22

Assault: 3200 bl. 8th St., NE: 23-year old Charissa Randolph was arrested and charged with Simple Assault (11:06 p.m.).

January 23

None

January 24

None

January 25

Theft from Vehicle: 4000 bl. Harewood Rd., NE. A vehicle’s window was smashed and property was stolen.
Theft from Vehicle: 620 Michigan Ave., NE. MPD took a report for a theft from a vehicle incident on campus. A vehicle’s window was smashed and over $3,400 in property was stolen.

January 26

Theft from Vehicle: CUA Department of Public Safety (DPS) released a statement urging campus community members to hide bags and valuables stored in vehicles due to multiple recent car break-ins and thefts. Further details regarding the incidents were not released.

January 27