Suspect arrested in shootings, killings of several homeless men in New York and D.C.

A suspect in a series of shootings earlier this month that targeted homeless men in New York and Washington, D.C. was arrested Tuesday morning in Washington, D.C. 

"Early this AM, law enforcement arrested the suspect in Washington, DC.," the District's Metropolitan Police Department tweeted at 5:40 a.m. local time. "He is currently being interviewed at our Homicide Branch. Additional information will be forthcoming. Thanks to the community for all your tips."

The arrest followed the mayors of New York City and Washington, D.C., on Monday making an appeal to the public to reach out – as they urgently searched for the man who had stalked and shot at least five homeless men, two of whom died. 

The shootings prompted a far-reaching search across both cities after the suspect shot three men in D.C. between March 3 and March 9, and two men in Lower Manhattan on Saturday.

Specifics about the gunman, including motive, remain unclear. He is currently being interviewed by the D.C. police's Homicide Branch.