Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Shooting Case

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On Oct. 20, non-fatal shooting defendant Marquett Brown accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Brown, 35, was originally charged with assault on a police officer while armed, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, among other charges, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 11, 2022 on the 400 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to prosecutors, the incident stemmed from Brown’s refusal to wear a face mask as required at the time in a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) service center. The situation escalated quickly as Brown became “disoriented” and proceeded to punch a police officer on the head and reach to grab his pistol. Brown shot it once.

While no one sustained gunshot wounds, the prosecutor noted that the physical altercation between Brown and the police officer resulted in the officer sustaining serious injuries.

Brown accepted a deal extended by prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and attempted aggravated assault. Additionally, all parties agreed on dismissing two other misdemeanor cases, regarding his alleged involvement in a simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Following the guilty plea, Brown’s defense requested a motion for release pending sentencing. However, the motion was denied. Judge Christian noted Brown’s history of non-compliance in prior incidents.

Parties are expected back for a full report and sentencing on Feb. 1, 2024.