Noted crime author George Pelecanos is coming to Hyattsville.

After a reading at the 14th Street Busboys and Poets, the “poet laureate of the D.C. crime world” will speak at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets at 6:30 tonight.

Pelecanos wrote for the TV series “The Wire” and is author of 18 novels set around Washington, D.C. Several of his books mention Hyattsville in passing.

The Hyattsville Wire interviewed Pelecanos by email yesterday.

Do you have any memories of Hyattsville you’d like to share?

“A couple of years ago I was riding my bike near Ager Road and some dude in a van deliberately sideswiped me and kept going. When I got back in the saddle I chased him down and got his tag number. I called the police but they declined to look into it. That’s one memory. I have many good memories of the Queens Chapel Drive-In that are probably not appropriate for your readers. I got my blaxploitation, kung-fu, and splatter-film education at the theater, along with many other teaching moments. ”

You mention Hyattsville in several books. Any upcoming mentions for us to watch for?

“Not that I’m aware of, but keep hope alive.”

Since you write about crime, you often focus on the seedier side of things. Any chance you might mention the Historic District or the new Arts District in a future book?

“Sure, there’s a chance. I’ll look around when I’m over there tomorrow night.”