COLUMBUS, Miss. — Authorities are intensifying their search for 22-year-old Frederick Demoko Washington, who is wanted in connection with a violent shooting that occurred on August 17th in Columbus. The Columbus Police Department has issued an alert, describing Washington as “Armed and Dangerous,” and urging the public to exercise caution.

According to police reports, the shooting took place on 20th Street North, a known area in Columbus. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Columbus Police Department and Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers, have launched a concerted effort to locate Washington, who is believed to be the primary suspect in the aggravated assault involving a weapon or other deadly means.

Washington’s description has been shared widely among law enforcement, with authorities emphasizing that he should not be approached by members of the public. Instead, anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers immediately.

The Incident: A Timeline of Events

On August 17th, 2025, Columbus police responded to reports of a shooting in the 20th Street North area. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 calls, where they found evidence of a violent incident involving a firearm. Law enforcement officers began their investigation immediately, collecting witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and securing evidence to build their case.

Details regarding the circumstances of the shooting are still unclear, as the investigation is ongoing. However, police have confirmed that the shooting was the result of an aggravated assault, and that Washington is believed to have used a weapon or other deadly means during the attack.

The victim’s identity and condition have not been disclosed by the Columbus Police Department, though it is known that the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment following the incident. The severity of the injuries sustained in the shooting is unknown at this time, but authorities have indicated that the victim’s condition is stable.

As investigators continue to work on the case, law enforcement has urged the community to be aware of Washington’s potential threat to public safety. The Columbus Police Department has issued a public safety advisory, reminding residents that Washington should be considered “Armed and Dangerous,” meaning that he could be in possession of a firearm and may be a risk to others.

The Search for Frederick Demoko Washington

Washington, described as a 22-year-old male with a known criminal history, is believed to have fled the scene shortly after the shooting. Following the incident, local law enforcement began searching for Washington, believing him to be the key suspect in the case. His whereabouts are currently unknown, and authorities are exploring all avenues to locate him.

The Columbus Police Department, along with Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers, has urged the public to report any information that could lead to the arrest of Washington. Investigators are hoping that witnesses in the area may come forward with valuable details regarding the suspect’s escape or potential hiding location.

Washington’s description has been shared with neighboring law enforcement agencies, and his name has been added to local, state, and national databases to assist in his capture. Authorities are actively checking local businesses, residences, and nearby areas where Washington could be hiding or seeking refuge.

At this time, Columbus Police Chief, Carla Benson, has emphasized that anyone with knowledge of Washington’s whereabouts should come forward, especially if they have seen him in the vicinity of Columbus or other surrounding areas. Benson has also cautioned the public to avoid confronting Washington directly, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.

“We need the public’s help to track down Frederick Demoko Washington. If you see something, say something,” said Chief Benson. “Your information could be the key to bringing him into custody safely, and ultimately bringing justice to the victim and their family.”

What We Know About Frederick Demoko Washington

Frederick Demoko Washington is described as a 22-year-old male who is approximately 6 feet tall, with a slender build, dark complexion, and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and dark jeans at the time of the shooting, though investigators have noted that he may have changed his appearance or clothing since the incident.

Washington has a criminal history, which includes previous arrests related to weapons possession, assault, and other violent crimes. While authorities have not provided specific details about his past convictions, they have confirmed that he is not someone who should be approached or confronted by the public.

Law enforcement agencies have indicated that Washington is known to frequent certain areas within Columbus and the broader Golden Triangle region, and they are working to track his movements in the days following the shooting. Investigators are also working to determine any potential connections Washington may have with criminal groups or other individuals who may be aiding his escape.

The Role of Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers

Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers, a local organization dedicated to assisting law enforcement in solving crimes, has offered a reward for information that leads to the arrest of Frederick Demoko Washington. Crime Stoppers has emphasized that tips provided through their hotline can remain anonymous, and individuals who offer information may be eligible for a cash reward.

“The community’s role in solving crimes cannot be overstated,” said Crime Stoppers representative, James Williams. “We encourage anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Your tip could make all the difference in this case, and you could be rewarded for helping law enforcement bring justice to the victim and their family.”

Crime Stoppers has also stated that it is taking extra steps to ensure the anonymity of individuals who come forward with information. As part of their effort to make the process as secure as possible, tips can be submitted through their online platform or by calling their anonymous hotline. Crime Stoppers has pledged to protect the identity of all informants, which has led many individuals to trust the organization as a confidential resource for assisting law enforcement.

Impact on the Columbus Community

The shooting on 20th Street North has left the Columbus community shaken, as residents grapple with the reality of violent crime striking their neighborhood. Columbus, known for its quiet, close-knit community, has not experienced many incidents of this nature in recent years. The shooting has raised concerns about safety, and many locals are now questioning how they can help prevent future violence in the area.

In response to the shooting, local community leaders have called for increased efforts to address issues related to gun violence, youth engagement, and criminal activity. Neighborhood watch programs, increased police patrols, and community outreach initiatives are just a few of the ideas that have been discussed as potential solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We must work together as a community to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe,” said local community activist, Maria Gonzalez. “This is a wake-up call for all of us, and we need to take action to protect our children and families from this kind of violence.”

At the same time, the Columbus Police Department has reassured residents that they are doing everything in their power to resolve the case and prevent further incidents. Chief Benson has promised that additional resources will be allocated to investigate the shooting and track down Frederick Demoko Washington.

“We are committed to solving this case and bringing Frederick Washington to justice,” Benson said. “We want the people of Columbus to feel safe in their homes and on their streets, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make that a reality.”

How to Help

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about Frederick Demoko Washington’s whereabouts to contact the Columbus Police Department at [contact number] or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at [contact information]. Tipsters can also submit anonymous information online via the Crime Stoppers website.

In addition, the Columbus Police Department has provided several key safety tips for residents:

1. Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.

2. Secure your home: Lock doors and windows, and consider installing security cameras or lights to deter criminal activity.

3. Join neighborhood watch programs: Engaging with your neighbors can help keep your community safe and informed.

4. Report tips anonymously: You can provide valuable information about a crime without revealing your identity by using Crime Stoppers.

Conclusion

As the search for Frederick Demoko Washington continues, authorities remain committed to bringing him into custody and ensuring the safety of the Columbus community. Law enforcement is urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Washington and resolving the case. The Columbus Police Department and Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers are working together to track down the suspect and hold him accountable for the violent act on 20th Street North.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support efforts to reduce violence in their neighborhoods. Together, the community can work to prevent further tragedies and keep Columbus a safe place for everyone.