Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Drive-By Shooting Incident

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On Aug. 3, non-fatal shooting defendant Jeremiah Downing rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.

Downing, 22, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 at Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Downing was driving a white pickup truck erratically before he shot at the victim’s vehicle through the passenger window. The victim pulled over to a safe location before calling 911.

Downing rejected a deal from prosecutors that would have him plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.

Additionally, Downing’s two other pending cases in Virginia would be dismissed and he would be required to pay restitution to Fairfax County.

Defense attorney Brian McDaniel requested a trial date, but one has not been set yet as the case has not been indicted.

Both parties are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 18.