The Metropolitan Police Department continues to seek public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a felony threats case that has highlighted ongoing concerns about security personnel safety in Southeast Washington, D.C. The incident occurred on the evening of June 18, 2025, when a suspect confronted a special police officer after being stopped for allegedly taking property from a business establishment. This case reflects broader challenges facing private security workers who serve as the first line of defense for local businesses amid persistent retail crime issues across the District.
The confrontation unfolded at approximately 10:00 p.m. in the 400 block of 14th Street, Southeast, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The suspect was initially stopped by a Special Police Officer for taking property inside an establishment when the situation escalated. Rather than comply, the suspect verbally threatened both the Special Police Officer and a second victim before fleeing the scene on foot.
Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect, which MPD has released to the public as part of their investigation. Police officials are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for the crime. The case has been assigned the CCN number 25091527 for tracking purposes.
Understanding Special Police Officer Authority
Special Police Officers occupy a unique position in the District’s security landscape, serving as licensed security personnel with limited arrest powers on specific properties. According to MPD’s Security Personnel Resource Guide, these officers have arrest authority similar to regular police officers but only on their contracted property. Unlike regular security guards, Special Police Officers can take enforcement action and affect arrests, though their jurisdiction is strictly confined to the particular place or property they are commissioned to protect…