D.C. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a motion for bond review during a July 29 felony status conference for a defendant accused in a Northeast DC shooting.
Ato Ocran, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of 13th Street, NE, on June 3.
One individual was harmed during the incident.
According to court documents, Ocran allegedly got into a verbal argument with the victim over an electric vehicle charger. When Ocran left the parking lot, the victim allegedly followed him down Franklin Street, NE when Ocran allegedly made a u-turn, and fired at the victim through the driver’s side window of his vehicle, shooting him once in the arm and striking the vehicle several times.
During the hearing, defense attorney Elizabeth White argued that Ocran acted in self-defense and emphasized that he has no prior criminal history. She described him as a software engineer with stable employment and financial obligations, including two mortgages.
White also asserted that Ocran attempted to de-escalate the situation and repeatedly backed away. She claimed the complainant was armed with a baseball bat and followed Ocran with another individual.
The prosecution opposed his release, stating that Ocran had already disengaged and was inside his vehicle when he chose to return and open fire. They also pointed to the discovery of multiple unregistered firearms during a search of his home and said Ocran’s educational level indicated he should have known how to respond more appropriately.
Judge Hertzfeld said Ocran’s decision to re-engage while in his car weakened the self-defense argument. She also cited the unregistered firearms as a serious concern.
The judge denied the motion for bond review and the defendant will remain in custody.
A jury trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 29.
