Downtown DC shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured as suspect on the lam

A shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., early Sunday morning left two people dead and five people injured, and police are currently searching for the suspect who is on the run.

Police officers responded to a report of a shooting around 3 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of Seventh and P Street Northwest, blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, D.C. Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll said. 

Two people have since been pronounced deceased and five others who were injured have been transported to local hospitals for treatment, Carroll said. 

"We’re asking anyone who may have any information related to this incident or may have witnessed it to contact the Metropolitan Police Department," the assistant chief also said. 

Police described the suspect as a black male with an average build wearing a blue shirt and light pants. He was last seen fleeing southbound on Seventh Street on foot. 

Officials did not offer any more details about the suspect or whether any additional suspects may be involved. 

The nation's capital has been struggling with violent crime over the past several years. In January, the Justice Department sent resources to D.C. to crack down on crime in the district. 

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