Shooting Takes Place Near Several Embassies in DC, at Least 4 People Shot, Police Says

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - There is an active shooting underway near several foreign embassies in northwest Washington, DC, with at least 3 people shot, a Washington’s Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Sputnik on Friday.

"We're responding to reports of shots fired... There have been three victims shot. We have two males and one female. I do not know their ages or conditions," the spokesman said.

Later in the day, the police said that the suspected perpetrator, 23, was found dead after the incident. He had reportedly "took his life" in a fifth-floor apartment near Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness Street, NW.

The suspect was not identified by the police, however, the person of interest they were searching for earlier in the afternoon, Raymond Spencer, is no longer being sought for by law enforcement.

All four victims in the shooting are in stable condition, according to police.

The police chief said law enforcement recovered six firearms from the suspect's apartment, including several long guns, handguns and multiple rounds of ammunition.

He added the investigation was ongoing and they were working to determine the suspect's motive.

According to the local media reports, city officials were advising residents to stay indoors due to an "active threat."

JUST IN 🚨 Reports of active shooter near Edmund Burke Middle School, sounds of heavy shooting heard in Washington DC

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— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) April 22, 2022

Several dozen police officers were reported to be on the scene near Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness St. in Washington's Van Ness area. The incident reportedly occurred just a few blocks from the Howard University Law School. The Metropolitan Police Department was advising residents in the Cleveland Park and Van Ness communities to stay in place.

Also, according to reports, bursts of rapid shooting were heard in the area.

A large number of law enforcement officers and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene. The US Secret Service reportedly sent its agents to assist police in the search and on the site.

Later, Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Stuart Emerman said that no suspects have been taken into custody yet following a shooting.

"At this point, we do not have any suspects in custody," Emerman said.

Emerman said they do not have the full details of the shooting and are still investigating the motive. It is unknown if the victims are related, he added.

Police later said they were seeking a person of interest - 23-year old Raymond Spencer of of Fairfax, Virginia.

DC Police have posted his picture online. In addition, authorities said a fourth victim was identified, mid-60-year old female who was grazed by bullet and not hospitalized.