Judge Holds Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 3, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge decided not to release a defendant who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Gary Reed, who is also known as Mike Davis, allegedly brandished a handgun in front of a taxi driver who parked his vehicle at a gas station on the 1400 block of U Street, NW on Dec. 19, 2019.

Defense attorney Stephany Reaves asked that her client be released and placed on the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.) She said she disputes allegations that Reed actually displayed a gun during the incident. She also pointed out that Reed’s criminal history is entirely non-violent and that he has a job and a residence.

However, Judge Judith Smith said Reed has been involved in numerous drug-related offenses, has an outstanding bench warrant from the state of Maryland and that possessing a firearm represents “an escalation of the defendant’s prior behavior.”

Reed submitted motions for release in March and April because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both motions were denied by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

This case was found to have enough evidence to proceed to trial on Dec. 23, 2019. However, Judge Smith said she would not object to setting another preliminary hearing, should the defense continue to dispute the probable cause finding.

Reed’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25.