Caroline Patrickis

Apr 23, 2024 | wjla.com | Caroline Patrickis

WASHINGTON (7News) — In the District, you may have noticed an influx of mopeds hitting D.C.’s streets. The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicle said it has seen a 160% increase in 2023 in the number of mopeds being registered. "I am from Venezuela," said one driver via a translating app. Several drivers whom 7News tried to talk to said they did not speak English and that they were from Venezuela making deliveries for Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Apr 22, 2024 | wjla.com | Caroline Patrickis

WASHINGTON (7News) — The District has a new idea on a way to revive the downtown area with a new program that will push for pop-ups, filling vacant spaces with temporary businesses. On Monday, leaders stood inside a former Talbots clothing store that has been vacant for 15 years. If you drive along any street downtown, you’ll see vacant offices with enough space to offer up just about anything.

Apr 16, 2024 | wjla.com | Caroline Patrickis

WASHINGTON (7News) — There is good news about violent crime in the District -- it's on the decline. However, leaders say they still need to put a major focus on keeping youth out of trouble, as the summer months approach. “When we ask how many people have seen someone be shot, half the class raised their hand,” said Jawanna Hardy, founder of Guns Down Friday. So far this year, 16 youths have been shot in the District. At this exact point, in April of 2023, there were 13 youth carjacking arrests.

Apr 11, 2024 | wjla.com | Caroline Patrickis

WASHINGTON (7News) — Columbia Heights was one of four D.C. neighborhoods that saw violence spill out onto the streets Wednesday evening. Residents who live along 10th Street Northwest called it exhausting. D.C. Police responded to 3600 10th St. NW where officers discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound. According to police, another man showed up to a local hospital with a gunshot wound where he later died from his injuries.

Apr 10, 2024 | wjla.com | Caroline Patrickis

WASHINGTON (7News) — The troubled D.C. crime lab is back in the spotlight just months after gaining partial accreditation two years after it was revoked over concerns of mishandling evidence. In December, the crime lab got two units reaccredited, allowing them to once again conduct DNA and drug testing. Now, whistleblowers say the entire advisory board has resigned.