WASHINGTON — D.C. police warned the public to steer clear of 12th Street Southeast and I Street Southeast Saturday evening while they investigate what they called “an unlawful entry.” Several people were arrested outside the Potomac Gardens apartment complex, police said. The exact number of arrests is unknown. To compound the chaos at the scene, two police cruisers crashed into each other as they arrived.

Reports of gunshots, lots of arrests at Potomac Gardens Apts in SE. One look at Eye St, one up 12th pic.twitter.com/pE2lsdmPuD

— John Domen (@JDDsays) May 13, 2017

Housing Authority officers apparently called Metro police for backup after attempting to question someone, who then ran, which prompted a large response from authorities.

Avoid the area of 12 Street SE & I Street SE due to police activity. pic.twitter.com/jFbmGkOpHG

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) May 13, 2017