Around 10:10pm on May 5th, MPD responded to 911 calls of a shooting near the 600 block of Kennedy Street, and several officers also heard the 6-7 shots.

While canvassing for possible suspects, officers located an adult male victim in the rear of a residence in the 5500 block of 8th Street, NW (east alley). The victim had been shot once in the back by an unknown suspect. The victim was transported to a local area hospital in serious condition.

I spoke with Captain Bray, who covers night duty in 4D, who said MPD does not believe the man who was shot was in fact the intended victim.

"The victim was an older fellow (appeared to be in his fifties), and several of the people we interviewed know him from the neighborhood as the 'Chicken Man.' Apparently, he cooks jerked chicken for people in the neighborhood."

Captain Bray also mentioned that one of the witnesses they interviewed after the shooting was extremely uncooperative. He was in his late 20s, and is known to have an extensive arrest history.

Captain Bray added that, "Although the victim and the witnesses stated they did not get a good look at the shooter, I believe they know who it was."

This wasn't a random shooting. MPD is investigating.

According to Commander Manlapaz, MPD officers were in the area, heard the shooting (6-7 shots) and arrived quickly. According to a resident who lives near where the shooting took place, MPD arrived within 2-3 minutes. Compliments to MPD for their fast action.

Anyone with information about this offense is urged to call the MPD Command Information Center at 202-727-9099.