Man Shot in Old Town, Police Increase Patrol Coverage with Spike in Shots Fired Calls

A 23-year-old man was shot in Old Town early Tuesday evening, as Alexandria Police continue to investigate an uptick in shots fired calls for service.

At around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 24), police announced they were responding to a call for shots fired in the 1200 block of Wythe Street in Old Town — not far from a police shootout that killed one man last month.

The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police provided no suspect description and no arrests were made.

NOTIFICATION :: The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a “shots fired” call for service in the 1200 block of Wythe Street. Expect police activity in the area.

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) November 25, 2020

“The Alexandria Police Department continues to actively investigate the increase in weapons offenses involving shots fired this fall and has increased targeted patrol coverage, following an unusual spike in incidents in September and October,” police said in a press release. “Following is additional information since the previous update.”

APD noted that the police have executed 50 search warrants in connection to the recent incidents, made over 14 arrests and recovered over 14 weapons, though the police declined to provide additional details. Consequently, police will increase patrols over affected areas.

“Investigating weapons offenses and preventing future incidents is a major priority for the Alexandria Police Department,” said Police Chief Michael Brown in the release. “While the number of incidents is returning to previous levels, we urge the public to provide any available information about those who may be involved.”

Police said there were seven incidents in October. One incident on Oct. 24 involved a security guard at a restaurant shooting a suspect in self defense and another where police exchanged gunshots with two armed robbery suspects, the release said.

“The three November incidents to date include two illegal firearm discharges without injuries and the November 7 homicide of Yousef Tarek Omar,” the release said. “Residents are urged to call or text 911 immediately if gunfire is heard. All reports will be promptly investigated.”

Police also noted that some of the calls were found to be fireworks or gunshots from police training at the firing range on Eisenhower Avenue.

Below is a list of confirmed shots fired incidents, showing the increase in 2020 compared to 2019.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott