Man lit on fire by jealous suspect

Officers received a call at 6:10 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 7, reporting that a man was lit on fire and rolled into the street. They arrived in the 4500 block of Leary Way N.W. and found the victim siting in front of a business, being treated by the Fire Department. The man was screaming in pain and covered in burn marks. The skin on his hands had peeled off. A witness said that he saw a suspect throw gasoline on the victim and then light him on fire. The witness helped extinguish the flame by taking a hose from inside the business and pouring water on the victim. The suspect’s vehicle was still parked nearby. Officers could smell gasoline coming from inside. The witness knew the suspect by a fake name. A woman who used to date the victim was now dating the suspect. The witness said that the suspect was jealous. The woman was supposed to speak to the officers but never arrived. Officers are still investigating the crime.  

Assault in bus stop on N.W. Market Street

When officers arrived in the 2200 block of N.W. Market Street around 2 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 7, they found a victim who had been punched, while waiting inside a bus shelter.  He said the suspect appeared to be homeless and asked him for a light for his cigarette. When the victim said that he did not have a lighter, the suspect punched him in the face. The victim fell to the ground, injuring his leg. He stood up immediately.  The suspect tried to punch him again, but the victim blocked the blow. The suspect pulled out a knife, and the victim ran away. The suspect also fled the scene. The victim refused medical treatment. 

Shoplifter threatens store employees with a weapon 

A shoplifting incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 5 in the 6400 block of 8th Avenue N.W. A man took a bag of merchandise and rode away on a blue bicycle. Police arrived and spoke to the night manager of the store, who explained that the manager who actually witnessed the crime had already gone home. The night manager said that the suspect came to the store two weeks earlier and attempted to steal jewelry. The suspect was verbally trespassed at that time. During this crime, the suspect was seen going through a donation bin. A store employee confronted the man. The suspect brandished a weapon, threatening the employee and then fled. 

Commercial burglary on N.W. 36th Street

When the owner of a spa and salon on the 100 block of N.W. 36th Street arrived at her business around1:40 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 12, she noticed the interior had been ransacked. Several products were scattered on the floor. She left the business and called the police. The window was shattered. The owner called police and reported about $8,000 in missing hair and skin products and $200 in stolen cash. A number of items left behind by the burglars were placed into evidence.