Judge Finds Probable Cause in Preliminary Hearing 

By McKenna Bryant , Phillip Lopez - February 16, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover found probable cause for a non-fatal shooting case. 

Raymond Robinson, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 10, on the 1800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the suspect and the victim were inside a home at the location. The suspect brandished a handgun and allegedly shot the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Robinson was arrested at the scene without issue. 

The prosecution brought forth a police officer from MPD to testify. The officer read through his affidavit which was adopted as part of his testimony. 

Robinson’s attorney, Gregg Baron, informed the court how, according to the police account, Robinson shot the victim as an act of self defense, because the victim pulled a knife on Robinson, which led to the shooting. However, the victim denies having any altercation with Robinson prior to the shooting. 

According to the officer, the victim told the detective that he did not know Robinson. However, an eyewitness told MPD that the victim and Robinson were friends.

After the incident, officers searched Robinson’s vehicle. A K-9 unit responded with a dog trained in the detection of firearms. The officer’s testimony confirmed that a “positive hit from the canine” proved there had previously been a firearm in the vehicle, however, no firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

Baron asked the court to not find probable cause due to the victim’s misleading statements to investigators about knowing the defendant prior to the incident which undermine the victim’s credibility.

However, the court found probable cause, citing the police report which stated officers seeing the defendant squatting over the victim, and the victim yelling “he shot me” upon arriving at the scene. 

Robinson will remain held in DC Jail as he awaits further proceedings. 

Parties will reconvene March 28.