Judge Grants Continuance in Armed Assault Due to Co-Defendant’s COVID Quarantine

By Ashley Brown [former] - October 6, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted a continuance for parties involved in an armed assault due to one of the co-defendants being quarantined at the DC Jail. 

The 19-year-old and 20-year-old defendant’s are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and a criminal gang street affiliation for a May 21, 2021, shooting they were allegedly connected to on the 5700 block of 14th Street, NW. 

During the Oct. 6 hearing, Judge Lee said it “would not make sense” to proceed with an arraignment without the co-defendant, who is the older defendant, is present, as he recently contracted coronavirus. Counsel agreed with this decision.

According to court documents, the younger defendant approached the victim in an “aggressive manner” as he attempted to enter the Columbia Heights Market Tobacco and Vape Shop located on the 3000 block of 144th Street, NW. He then brandished a handgun and started “waving it back and forth” in front of the victim and his friend.

The victim’s friend recognized the defendant because they both attended Theodore Roosevelt High School together. The friend also said the defendant is a member of the 18th Street gang.

After the defendant brandished a handgun, the victim and his friend sought refuge in the vape shop and dialed 911 but quickly hung up after growing impatient with the operator.

They then left the store and tried to ride their bikes back home. As they biked home, the victim noticed the younger defendant pointing a gun at him in a car, and fell off his bike. He sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

When presented with a photo line-up by police, the victim identified the younger defendant as the shooter. He was also able to identify the older defendant as the driver of the vehicle. The older defendant is also a member of the 18th Street gang.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 26 to continue the arraignment and further address the case.