Judge Holds Two Non-Fatal Shooting Defendants During Initial Hearings

By Ashley Drazka - February 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond held two non-fatal shooting defendants for unrelated incidents.

Kenneth Coleman, 35, is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer-involved shooting at the 1400 Block of Bangor Street, SE on Feb. 9.

According to MPD documents, Coleman appeared to discharge one round from his firearm and then point it at the MPD officers.

Judge Raymond said that she has no choice but to hold Coleman because there is sufficient probable cause.

Coleman will remain detained as he awaits further proceedings. Parties are slated to return Feb. 16.

Julius James, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill, assault of a police officer while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and cruelty to animals, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the abuse of an animal and the non-fatal shooting of three police officers.

On Feb. 14, officers responded to the 5000 Block of Hanna Place, SE, to serve an arrest warrant on James, who was wanted for cruelty to animals. When officers arrived at the door to the residence, James allegedly fired multiple shots, injuring three officers. A fourth officer sustained non-firearm related injuries.

The prosecution noted that “these allegations are incredibly concerning” and that “this defendant is extremely dangerous and should not be in the community”.

Judge Raymond found that “there is significantly more than probable cause” and ordered that James be detained as he awaits further proceedings.

A hearing has been set for Feb. 29 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.