At a hearing on April 28, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a third full mental competency examination for a defendant accused of shooting police officers.
Stephen Rattigan, 50, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of assault on a police officer while armed, 15 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and destruction of property that cost $1,000 or more. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured three victims at the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE on Feb. 14, 2024.
According to court records the victims were officers from the Metropolitan Police Department Criminal Apprehension Unit (CAU). The CAU officers reportedly responded to Rattigan’s residence to serve an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals when Rattigan allegedly fired multiple shots through the door.
At the hearing, Judge Ryan informed the parties that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) could not draw a conclusion on Rattigan’s competency at this time. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against them and be able to assist their attorney in their defense.
According to court records, a full competency examination was ordered for Rattigan on March 8, 2024 and again on March 6 of this year.
The report from DBH recommended he be placed at Saint Elizabeths, a psychiatric hospital. Judge Ryan proposed he order a third full mental competency evaluation of Rattigan while he’s at the hospital. Neither Rattigan’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, nor the prosecution objected.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.
