Judge, ‘Doesn’t Think There Was Reasonable Suspicion to Detain,’ Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

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The prosecution called two witnesses to a non-fatal shooting in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 21 who ultimately decided to release the defendant.

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.

One witness was the detective who interviewed Cannon in custody, while the other was an officer who was at the scene when the incident occurred.

The detective testified that an off-duty officer, who lived in the area the shooting took place, came into contact with Cannon. The off-duty officer’s Nest home camera depicted a brief interaction in which Cannon could be heard saying someone shot at him.

The detective recalled interviewing Cannon twice about this incident.

During the second interview, the detective reported, Cannon said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re wasting your time,” after the detective asked him questions about the incident.

The officer who was on duty at the time of the incident testified that she and her partner were looking for a 5′ 9″ tall individual with short dreadlocks, dressed all in black. When they saw someone who matched that description and asked if he was okay, he took off running. The officers caught up to the individual and put him in handcuffs.

This event was captured through body worn camera footage and was shown in court during the officer’s testimony.

Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, argued that they got the wrong person. According to Lanyi, the body worn camera footage clearly shows that Cannon is around six feet tall with long dreadlocks and dressed all in red.

Lanyi also argued that Cannon’s fleeing the scene doesn’t mean he is guilty.

“Flight isn’t enough to detain,” said Lanyi.

Judge Epstein agreed, stating that many people with criminal histories would tend to flee if police were to approach them. “I don’t think there was reasonable suspicion for Cannon to be detained,” said Judge Epstein.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 19.