Defendant’s Sentence Suspended in 2022 Non-Fatal Shooting at Police

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 17, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 17, a defendant was given a suspended sentenced in a 2022 non-fatal shooting case in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Lamiko Wheeler, 45, was originally charged with assault of a law enforcement officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 400 block of Oakwood St, SE, on Feb. 26, 2022. The incident left two individuals, including Wheeler, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Wheeler was ordered by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers to drop his firearm, and did not comply. Two officers discharged their service weapons, striking Wheeler, at the same time as he discharged his weapon. No officers were injured during the incident. 

On Aug. 24, Wheeler accepted an offer extended by prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of assault on a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. In the agreement, prosecutors also stated they would not seek an indictment.

During the sentencing hearing, Wheeler said, “I want to take full responsibility as a man,” adding, “it wasn’t me.”

Judge Arthur responded, “I understand that it’s not you, but the consequences could have been grave.”

The defense noted Wheeler and others had taken some drugs before the incident leading to his actions.

According to prosecutors and Jesse Winograd, Wheeler’s defense attorney, he has no criminal history. Jesse Winograd said, “He is not a person who requires incarceration.”

The prosecutor acknowledged that Wheeler has, “been a very upstanding citizen.”

Since his release in late 2022 Wheeler has complied with his release conditions and there have been no issues.

Judge Arthur sentenced Wheeler to 18 months for assault on a police officer while armed, and 12 months for assault with a dangerous weapon. However, both sentences were suspended, meaning Wheeler will not have to serve time.

As part of his sentence, Judge Arthur imposed two years of probation for each charge, which will run concurrent. 

Wheeler has to register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.