Originally uploaded to flickr by alancleaver
While overall crime is down in PSA 107, last week’s February meeting did address a recent string of PCP related arrests on the Hill.
The alleged incidents involved the arrest of a woman on Monday at 17th and C streets SE, on Wednesday at 15th and D streets SE and an arrest at the Stadium Armory metro stop on Friday. ANC 6B Commissioner Brian Flahaven said the issue has not yet been “discussed at the ANC level” and “only recently came up at last week’s PSA 107 meeting.” Flahaven restated directives given at the meeting by Lt. Michael Thornton and Officer Wagner that anyone who “encounters someone who is or appears to be high on PCP” is advised to “quickly walk away from the scene and dial 911 immediately.”
When reached for comment, First District Commander David Kamperin said “citywide we have experienced increases in arrests involving subjects suspected of using PCP. Pre-trial Services is also showing this trend.” But Kamperin added he’s “not convinced that 3 recent arrests in PSA 107, although they have the PSA team taking notice” show a “problematic trend in the area or that the consumption or distribution is taking place in 107 vs. individuals high on the drug traversing through the neighborhood because of Metro or the major routes.”
The Commander added that the Vice Team, along with Lt Thornton, are gathering information “from sources and officers to ensure there is not an upward trend of consumption/distribution within PSA 107.”
PCP is the abbreviated name for Phencyclidine. The drug is extremely powerful whether smoked or ingested and counts hallucinations and paranoia among its extreme effects.
Understandably, Hill residents are alarmed by these occurrences. If you have further questions or concerns please leave a comment below.
PCP? Where the arrests simply drug related? PCP can make people do some crazy things, hopefully this is not an epidemic.
Drugs in this area is no surprise. We find drug bags in the alley and on our sidewalks every week. The activity in front of the Chinese carry out on 15th and East Capitol has been going on for a decade and is no better. The owners of the shops on that block should either get things under control or move on.
I am not implying that the corner stores and less than desirably maintained businesses are involved in a drug trade, but they certainly do not do much to help our neighborhood in turning a corner on drug use, alcohol related loitering, littering, and general aesthetical problems like huge unkempt metal grates and liquor advertisements. I know that letters have been written and owners have been petitioned, but is there anything we can collectively do as a neighborhood? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
PCP?! Wow, this One City mess is bringing the city back to the 90s with alarming speed – except for the SUV’s, those are 2011, natch.