Online -- and in the loop -- With D.C. police - washingtonpost.com

Kent Boese was watching television in his Northwest Washington home when he heard a series of popping sounds. So he did what has become natural to thousands of D.C. residents eager for up-to-the-minute information about crime in their neighborhoods.

He sent an e-mail. "Does anyone have any details about the shooting that just happened on Quebec near Park Place not more than 30-45 minutes ago? Thanks, Kent..."