DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause in a shooting case after an officer’s testimony on July 23.
Da’Wan Salters, 26, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful discarding of a firearm or ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on July 18 at the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Butler Street, SE, resulting in the recovery of 38 rounds as well as damages to three vehicles.
At Salters’ preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify. He recalled responding to suspects fleeing from a reported shooting.
In cross-examination, Gail Engmann, Salters’ attorney, asked the officer what role he played in the investigation and arrest. He spoke to two witnesses, security officers who were nearby, and his partners on his scene.
One of the security officers reported that he heard gunshots then saw a man with his arms outstretched with a firearm and muzzle flashing. According to the patrol officer, the security officer believed he saw a black male with dreads wearing a white tank top.
The security officer reported then running into an alley after the suspect and watching him entering the passenger side of a black SUV with unknown Virginia plates.
The other security officer made a statement to MPD that the firearm was in proximity of the vehicle that fled the scene, said the patrol officer.
When Engmann asked if the first security officer told the MPD patrol officer the skin complexion or build of the suspect, he could not recall. He also couldn’t recall if officers saw another suspect shooting.
The MPD officer recalled canvassing for five minutes before finding the suspect vehicle, and two men inside “appearing to be nervous and sweaty.” The officer noted that they had a “deer in the headlights look.” Police also noticed suspected gunshot damage to the rear window.
According to court documents, the driver then fled officers before finally reaching a dead end.
Engmann argued that the court shouldn’t find probable cause due to the shooting occurring in the nighttime and the officer giving what Engmann referred to as an “incredibly generic description.”
However, the officer provided a detailed account of events, including the reports of two security officers, the vehicle that was involved, and identifying Salters as the suspect in the courtroom. Judge Herrmann found probable cause in this case.
Judge Herrmann then denied Salters’ release, considering he was on probation for possession charges in Maryland at the time of this incident.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 31.
