WASHINGTON — Police now know more detailed information about the minutes before a deadly shooting on northbound Interstate 295 during the morning rush hour of May 28.
Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier provided details of the movements of two vehicles, including the SUV being driven by Pedro Melendez Alvarado, who died after being shot on 295 near the Naval Research Laboratory.
“WTOP has very loyal commuter followers,” Lanier told WTOP’s Morning Drive Tuesday morning, hoping listeners might have seen the vehicles last Thursday.
Lanier said Alvarado’s black Chevrolet Trailblazer entered northbound George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, approximately 8:30 a.m.
Near the intersection for Tulane Drive, which is south of Belle View Boulevard, “There was some sort of traffic altercation with a dark green or black Toyota Camry or Honda,” said Lanier.
“There were at least three people in the backseat of that car, and one of those persons is described as an Hispanic male, 20-25 years old, with longer sideburns, and a short, low top haircut,” said Lanier.
Lanier believes the two vehicles traveled eastbound on the Beltway, entered Maryland, and exited onto northbound I-295 near National Harbor.
“Right around 8:50, on 295, at Observatory Drive, that vehicle again approaches the SUV and opens fire from the left side,” said Lanier.
Lanier asked witnesses or anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 to speak with detectives. The chief said witnesses can also directly email her and anonymous tips can be left or sent by Text to 50411.
Anything caught on cameras — including a partial license plate number — can be helpful to the investigation, Lanier said.
As with all homicide cases in the District, Lanier said there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.
