Defendant Fails to Appear in Court Due to Ongoing Drug Treatment

By Rachel Benck [former] - April 6, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

In an April 6 hearing, a defendant failed to appear in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow due to his commitment to an in-patient drug treatment program.

Curtis Smith is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with an alleged shooting that occurred on Aug. 25, 2022, on the 1500 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

Smith, 55, did not appear in court today due to his ongoing in-patient drug treatment. His attorney, Terrence Austin, told Judge Pasichow that he doesn’t even know if Smith was made aware of the hearing or if he could have attended regardless.

According to court documents, Smith, armed with a firearm, allegedly shot at the victim while attempting to rob him. Curtis fled the scene on his bike after the incident. 

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and found the victim sitting on the sidewalk with two sustained gunshot wounds. An ambulance was requested and the victim was transported to the hospital, treated, and released.

During his interview at the hospital, the victim told MPD detectives the man who shot him repeated “gimmie that money” several times while aiming a small handgun that he produced from his pocket at him. The victim had $200 cash on his person at the time.

Smith is expected to complete his drug treatment on or around May 17 but has an additional hearing he is scheduled to appear at on May 2.

Judge Pasichow ruled to vacate the May 2 hearing and reschedule Smith’s arraignment for after his treatment completion date.

All parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 1.