Shortly after 2 pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, an armed male entered the Excel Institute, located at 2851 V Street NE. The gunman shot one victim in the face while in the lobby area, then exited the building and shot a second victim in the torso, as well as threatened others. Both victims have been admitted to an area hospital for treatment of apparently non-life-threatening injuries. Their identities are being withheld because they are witnesses in the case.
Immediately following the shootings, the suspect allegedly carjacked a vehicle in the vicinity of V Street and Bladensburg Avenue, NE. Reportedly, the suspect shot out the rear window of the stolen vehicle, firing at pursuing officers. In the area of 12th and C Streets, NE, the suspect bailed out of the vehicle and allegedly carjacked a second vehicle nearby. Shortly thereafter, the suspect was apprehended after striking a police car that blocked his way near the intersection of 19th and C Streets, SE. At the time of his arrest, two firearms were recovered.
The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Wesley Johnson of Fort Washington, Maryland. He faces numerous charges, including two counts of Assault With Intent to Kill while Armed, two counts of Armed Carjacking, and Assault on a Police Officer while Armed. He is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in DC Superior Court.
Chief of Police Cathy Lanier commended members of the Fifth and First Districts, the Special Operations Division, and Vice officers for their swift response and apprehension of this armed and extremely dangerous individual.