Judge Releases Defendant After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

By Nick Pallotto [former] - November 27, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

At a Nov. 27 preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover released a defendant charged in a non-fatal shooting case after considering his criminal history. 

Anthony Calvin, 52, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred in an alleyway on Nov. 9 on the unit block of Quincy Place, NW. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, camera footage provided to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by a witness shows Calvin walking into an alleyway at the location and firing a round from what appeared to be a handgun. 

The witness told police that they were inside their residence when they heard a gunshot and they saw Calvin outside their window holding a silver firearm. 

According to court documents, as MPD was processing the scene, Calvin walked out of his residence and was stopped by responding officers because he resembled the individual captured in surveillance footage. When stopped, Calvin told officers he didn’t hurt anyone, but that he had shot a fake gun. 

At the hearing, Calvin waived his right to a preliminary hearing which was granted by Judge Glover. 

Calvin’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, requested Judge Glover release Calvin as he awaits further proceedings, stating he had not been charged with any other felony other than the current one and he was a handyman before his arrest. 

Prosecutors, in asking that Calvin be held, said that he has an extensive criminal history dating back to the 1980s, without further explanation.

In considering both arguments, Judge Glover released the defendant on the condition that he is obligated to verify his home address with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and is ordered to drug test with PSA due to a previous positive drug test for cocaine and PCP. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status conference on Dec. 6.