Those who live in the area said it used to be a quiet little neighborhood in the shadow of Dupont Circle. That's not the case anymore.

Mustafa Najiri was walking home when he saw someone pull out a gun and start shooting. No one was hurt, but hearing stories like that are not unusual. More and more guns are appearing on their streets.

Neighborhood resident Scott Lusk said, "there have been seven or eight sawed off shotgun guys out there and [my friend] had his iPod stolen."

In the past five days there have been three armed robberies -- two on15th and R Streets and one on S Street. The robbers walk up behind their victims, pull out a gun, and demand money.

"You are just so careful when you come out on the streets especially after 10 o'clock out walking the dog," said resident Matt Rhoades.

"But after you get to when you are walking and nobody is around you it's not good," added Ira Gillum.  

Many are questioning why the area near Dupont Circle has become such an attractive target for robbers.

"The thing about 15th Street where we are is half of it is in the Second Police District and half is in the Third and criminals know that," said Commissioner Jack Jacobsen.

Jacobsen also said criminals take advantage of a dead spot in police coverage, but authorities have responded and stepped up patrols. Now, everyone hopes the robberies will stop.

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