DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a defense request to evaluate a shooting defendant’s mental competency after he refused to speak during a hearing on Aug. 12.
Roasu Johnson, 35, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 900 block of Kennedy Street, NW on Aug. 6. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents Johnson allegedly fired multiple shots in the air and when a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer approached Johnson, he ran into the “Groceries & Tobacco” store. The officer reportedly then heard a loud bang that sounded like a gunshot and asked Johnson multiple times to exit the store before he eventually came out.
During the scheduled preliminary hearing, Johnson chose to not speak, but his defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested a mental competency exam. The prosecution raised no objections.
Judge Glover granted the mental competency exam and delayed the preliminary hearing until Johnson’s competency is determined. Johnson can’t stand trial unless he has at least enough mental ability to understand the charges against him and work with his lawyer.
Parties are slated for a mental observation hearing on Aug. 20.
