Woman Shot Near Supermarket

Attack by Another Female Is Apparently Domestic, Police Say

A woman was shot in the head near a Safeway supermarket in Adams Morgan early yesterday and is hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

Investigators said another woman shot the victim about 12:10 a.m. in what appears to have been domestic dispute. Police said they are seeking the assailant, who ran from the scene in the 1700 block of Columbia Road NW.

Police have not identified the victim, who is 31, because she is a witness in the case.

"It's been reported to us the women have been in a past romantic relationship," said Lt. Robert Glover of the violent crimes branch. Glover said the police department's gay and lesbian liaison unit is assisting in the case.

The street where the shooting took place is about a block from 18th Street, where many of the neighborhood's bars and restaurants are located.

"The Adams Morgan area is known for nighttime activities," Glover said. "There were a fair number of people out."

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) called the shooting a "horrendous tragedy."

"It was a targeted shooting. It was not random," Graham said. "People can shop safely at Safeway and in our neighborhood."

An official who declined to be identified because the case is still open said the victim worked as a clerk at the Safeway. The assailant waited for her to get off work and then shot her, the source said.

Detectives are looking for witnesses and ask anyone with information about the shooting to call 202-727-9099.