After searching about five hours for a suspect who police believe had kidnapped a woman and held her hostage, D.C. police left the area empty-handed late Monday night.
Police SWAT teams toting automatic weapons and wearing kevlar helmets and bulletproof vests arrived in the late afternoon at a residential neighborhood north of the U.S. Capitol. Officers had received a report that a woman had been abducted from Southeast Washington by her ex-boyfriend, authorities said.
Dozens of police mounted a massive show of force around the unit block of K Street NW, shutting down several blocks. But after entering at least two residences, they found no signs of the man or woman.
Police spokesman Quintin Peterson said police filled the area after investigators found a vehicle there that had been described by complainants. People at the scene then told police that the estranged couple may be inside a nearby home, Peterson said.
Police left the K Street area about 10:30 p.m., and were still searching for the man and woman.
Late last night, police issued a warrant for the arrest of the suspect, whom they identified as Robert Young, in connection with the kidnapping of Shirley Harding.
Police said Young, 48, of no fixed address, abducted Hardy at gunpoint from her residence in the 2600 block of Stanton Road SE about 1 p.m. Monday.
Police urged anyone who knows the whereabouts of Young or Hardy to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099, or the D.C. Crime Solvers Unit at 1-800-673-2777.
Staff reporter Theola Labbe contributed to this report.
