Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier ordered the El Pulgarcito of America restaurant closed following recent violence there. On Saturday, November 10, 2007, two males were stabbed and critically injured while inside of the restaurant located at 5313 Georgia Avenue, NW.  Therefore, pursuant to her authority under the Emergency Suspension of Liquor Licenses Act of 2005 (D.C. Law 16-20, D.C. Official Code § 25-827), Chief Lanier closed the restaurant effective at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2007, for up to 96 hours subject to a hearing and pending disposition by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board under D.C. Official Code § 25-826. 

Chief Lanier took this measure because she found that continued operation of this establishment may present an imminent danger to the health and safety of the public.

On November 10, 2007, at approximately 7:50 pm, an argument involving six males happened inside of the El Pulgarcito of America restaurant.  Consequently, two victims were stabbed multiple times and critically injured.  The police investigation indicates that the wounded victims were then expelled from the establishment.  Both victims were found suffering from their wounds in front of the Popeye’s restaurant located in the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW and subsequently transported to an area hospital where they were admitted in critical condition.  

The police investigation into this incident is ongoing.  No further information is available at this time.