WASHINGTON — A man is in police custody after the shooting of a 7-year-old in Southeast D.C. over the weekend.
At a Monday afternoon news conference, police announced 27-year-old Michael Wiggins, a Southwest D.C. resident, was arrested and charged in the shooting that injured a 7-year-old girl Friday night.
An altercation involving a small group of people lead to the gunfire Friday around 9:40 p.m. in the 2900 block of Knox Avenue Southeast. The child was wounded in the crossfire while returning from dinner, walking close to home with her father and 4-year-old brother.
D.C. Police Assistant Chief Peter Newsham says police recovered the weapon they think was used in the shooting. Newsham says police received numerous tips from the public — one of which led to the arrest.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said during the news conference that the crime is shocking.
“We certainly don’t tolerate any level of violence in our city and are shocked that a child walking with her family could get caught in this crossfire,” Bowser said.
The mayor visited the girl at the hospital Sunday and says she is anxious to get back to school. The girl is in fair condition.
Police announced the arrest just hours after D.C. police appealed to the shooter to submit to authorities.
Wiggins is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon as well as unlawful possession of a firearm.
