A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to arraignment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Sept. 11 after a debate over surveillance evidence.
Daquan Toland, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly shooting in public on June 2 at the intersection of M and 4th Streets, SW.
During the hearing, Henry Druschel, Toland’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
Additionally, Judge Israel denied the defense’s motion to dismiss for failure to preserve Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority(WMATA) footage allegedly showing the defendant after his alleged involvement in the shooting. However, in a sanction, she prevented the prosecution from arguing about what happened in places where there. is no footage available.
Druschel argued the WMATA footage showing the aftermath of the shooting could provide insight into Toland’s mental state and could help argue self-defense.
Moreover, Judge Israel requested a “specific piece of information” under seal to look over additional materials before ruling if the defense could have footage from another shooting that occurred a couple days prior.
Meanwhile, the prosecution offered a plea deal to one count of assault with a deadly weapon and a pistol without a license, the prosecution will dismiss all other charges. The defense requested more time to review the proposal.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 15.
