Judge Holds Defendant Charged With Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

By Hunter Fernandez [former] - February 6, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

During a presentment hearing on Feb. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe held a defendant in relation to a non-fatal shooting.

The defendant, Larry Tunstall, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged connection to a shooting on Aug. 27, 2022. 

Tunstall, 23, allegedly struck an off-duty FBI agent’s vehicle while driving on the DC295 highway. When the agent attempted to flag the defendant down, Tunstall allegedly shot at his vehicle while passing Benning Road. 

Tunstall’s defense attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, requested that the judge not find probable cause due to the fact that Tunstall did not fit the description given by the agent. The defense also claimed that there was not enough information to identify Tunstall as a suspect. 

However, the prosecution argued that there was enough evidence to find probable cause as the vehicle used by the suspect was traced back to Tunstall’s home and someone who lives with him reported that he was driving the day of the incident. The prosecution also said  that there was probable cause for carrying a pistol without a license as the possible pistol was found in Tunstall’s home. 

The preliminary hearing is slated for Feb. 6 was waived, and a felony indictment is pending.

Tunstall continues to be held without bond at the DC Jail.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16.