Judge Denies Defendant’s Release Request

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DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker denied July 7 a release request for a defendant charged with assault.

Javon Hale is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing an Uber driver at the Walmart on H Street, NW. The driver told Hale that he would have to cancel the ride he and his company ordered since not everyone could fit in the car due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to court documents. The defendant allegedly assaulted the driver out of anger.

The victim tried to get away from the defendant by running into the Walmart. The defendant allegedly followed the victim inside the store and continued assaulting him again.

Hale is also captured on surveillance footage shows allegedly stabbing the victim.

Hale attempted to flee the scene but Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers caught and arrested him.

The defense is waiting to receive the new found evidence and the victim’s medical records in order to reach a decision on a plea agreement. While waiting for the information, defense attorney James Williams asked that his client be released.

Judge Becker denied the defendant’s release due to the nature of the crime.

The defendant is scheduled to appear back in court on Aug. 12.