DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied release for a shooting defendant who waived his right to a preliminary hearing, thus establishing probable cause he committed the crime in hearing on April 17.
Denzel Hollonquest, 33, is charged with endangerment with a firearm while armed, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 17 on the 3100 block of Chestnut Street, NE. There were no injuries reported but officers located two shell casings.
According to court records, surveillance footage allegedly showed Hollonquest removing the victim from a car and threatening to shoot her. Hollonquest reportedly fired two shots in the air before fleeing the area with the victim in the car.
The charges also stem from Hollonquest’s alleged involvement in another incident on Feb. 17 on 1200 block of 18th Street, NE that left one victim with facial injuries.
According to court records, Hollonquest got into an argument with two individuals, one was the victim involved in the later shooting. Hollonquest allegedly struck both victims.
Hollonquest allegedly fled Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers in a third incident on Feb. 17 going from the 2600 block of Evarts Street, NE to New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.
According to court records, MPD officers were on the lookout for Hollonquest’s car when he allegedly began fleeing officers. Reportedly, Hollonquest stopped on the right shoulder of New York Avenue, NE before officers detained him.
During the hearing Hollonquest’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested his release without making a specific argument.
Judge Raymond denied the request, based on the probable cause already determined and her belief that no set of conditions could ensure the community’s safety.
Prosecutors said they would be requesting a buccal swab warrant, a warrant that allows law enforcement officials to collect DNA from the inside of the defendant’s cheek.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.
