Investigation launched after 5 homeless people shot in DC, NYC

It is believed that a lone assailant is responsible for all five (and possibly more) of these incidents.

The New York area shootings occurred on Saturday during the early morning hours, and left one homeless individual dead and another one wounded amid crime which has been steadily rising in that city.

"#A combined reward in the amount of $10,000 is being offered in regard to the below listed incident. Up to $3,500 payable by @NYPDTips upon arrest and indictment and $6,500 payable by NYPD upon arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this incident," tweeted the NYPD on Sunday, showing camera footage of the incident and the suspect.

The three DC-area shootings occurred days before. Authorities believe the incidents spanned a range of dates from March 3 through March 9, according to their own press release, also published on Sunday. Just like the New York shootings, all three of these occurred in the dark, after midnight.

The March 9 shooting unfortunately resulted in the death of the victim, as authorities discovered the victim's body while they were in the process of putting out a tent fire.

The press release further details that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will be also brought in to help with the investigation:

"Given the similarity in the modus operandi of the perpetrator, common circumstances involved in each shooting, circumstances of the victims and recovered evidence, the NYPD, the MPDC and the ATF will jointly investigate these offenses," the press release concludes

The New York Post reports that NYPD officers have been "directed to 'proactively engage with apparently homeless individuals,' conduct wellness checks and offer shelter services."

In addition, they are to "tell vulnerable people about the brutal attacks and show them wanted posters of the suspected gunman."