Washington — A local bus driver who was an innocent bystander has spoken from his hospital bed about the harrowing shooting that occurred inside the Target store on New York Avenue in the Ivy City neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C.
What happened
On Thursday, September 24, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a suspect entered the Target store and allegedly stole iPads, headphones and clothing. Two Target employees and an armed Special Police Officer confronted the individual. A physical struggle broke out, and according to detectives, the suspect managed to seize the security officer’s handgun and fire a single round.
The bullet struck Rodney Lyde, who was shopping nearby. Lyde, a bus driver for the District’s transit system, described the moment: “All of a sudden, you hear the shots ring out… ‘Oh my God. I’ve been shot.’ That’s all I remember. The next thing I heard was people screaming for the ambulance, calling the police.”
Victim’s condition and response
Lyde remains hospitalized and says his life has been “turned upside down.” He expects a lengthy recovery before he can return to his driving duties. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his desire for the suspect’s apprehension, stating, “I say that he needs to be apprehended.”
Lyde has retained attorney Dawn Jackson of Jackson and Associates Law Firm to investigate the incident and pursue compensation for his injuries and pain and suffering. “We were hired to determine who is responsible for his injuries and his pain and suffering at this point,” Jackson said.
Police investigation
Surveillance footage released by D.C. Police shows the suspect wearing eyeglasses and a distinctive orange‑and‑black jacket with reflective stripes, resembling a construction traffic cone. After firing the shot, the suspect fled the scene on a scooter and remains at large.
Detectives are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about the shooting to contact the Metropolitan Police Department immediately.
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among local residents about safety in retail environments and the effectiveness of security protocols. While the suspect’s motive appears to be theft, the escalation to gun violence underscores the need for vigilant public‑safety measures.
Local officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but the D.C. Police Department confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that they are reviewing all available video evidence to aid in the suspect’s identification and capture.
What’s next
Lyde faces months of medical treatment and rehabilitation before he can hope to resume his duties as a bus driver. The community awaits further updates from law enforcement as the search for the suspect continues.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
