Worker Hurt In Robbery of Georgetown Jewelry Store

Man Shot in Midday Heist; Police Looking for Suspects

A jewelry store worker was shot and critically wounded yesterday afternoon in Georgetown during a brazen midday robbery at the Wisconsin Avenue shop where he worked.

The man, whose name was not released, was shot in the back and taken to Georgetown University Hospital, where he underwent surgery. A police spokesman said yesterday evening that he was in critical but stable condition.

The holdup of Georgetown Fine Jewelry and Art, at 1265 Wisconsin Ave. NW, marked the second time in just over a month that a robbery in Georgetown ended in bloodshed.

In early July, a British political activist was killed when he and a friend were accosted on a residential street as they walked home from a movie. Alan Senitt's throat was slashed, allegedly by one of the robbers, when he tried to aid his female companion.

The July 9 slaying was one of 14 during a 12-day stretch last month, and D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey declared a crime emergency, saying homicides and especially robberies had been occurring at a troubling clip.

Inspector Andy Solberg said at least two and possibly three men entered the jewelry store about 2 p.m. asking to see some merchandise.

What happened next is under investigation, said Solberg, the acting commander of the 2nd Police District, which includes Georgetown. Police would not say whether anything was taken.

After the shooting, Solberg said the assailants went north on Wisconsin, then east on N Street, where they got into a white sedan and fled.

Police sealed off Wisconsin Avenue in front of the store for much of the afternoon as police commanders, detectives and crime scene technicians tried to gather evidence.

Curious passersby, seeing the yellow police tape and the activity, buttonholed those there to ask what had happened. Traffic up and down Wisconsin Avenue was detoured onto side streets for hours. Shops on the affected stretch were closed to the public. Relatives and friends of the wounded man showed up, anxious and searching for answers from police.

Eric Jackson, who works at a nearby hotel, said he sometimes visits the store and knows the family that runs it. "There's no place safe in Washington anymore," he said.

Omid Shaffaat, who said he is a close friend of the wounded man, said he hoped store surveillance camera footage would aid police.

"The person has to be on camera," he said.

Police described two suspects as men in their thirties. One was in an orange turtleneck and a dark sweatshirt. The other was pulling a wheeled suitcase with a duffel bag on top.

Police asked anyone with information to call 202-727-9099.

Up to $10,000 is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a District robbery.

Staff writer Martin Weil contributed to this report.