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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- September 2, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Probation
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Suspects
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A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)
Amon Sutton pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business following a confrontation with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers who asked him to move his double parked car on June 13, 2019, on the 2200 block of 2200 block of I Street, NW.
“You were a heartbeat away from a gun fight,” said Judge John Campbell. “…That was real close to being a disaster.”
Judge Campbell sentenced Sutton to 15 months, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation.
Because Sutton, 22, was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed after he completes his requirements.
“The Youth Act is a great opportunity to have a new start,” said Sutton. “I want to start my life over from this point on.”
As part of his probation, the defendant must complete 90 hours of community service and maintain or seek employment or stay in school. Sutton is currently perusing a bachelor’s degree.
As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Sutton’s other charge of assault with a dangerous weapon was dropped. The prosecution also decided not to support or oppose the defense’s YRA request.
During the Sept. 2 hearing, defense attorney Thomas Lester pointed out that his client took responsibility for his actions and was compliant with pretrial release.
Sutton and four other people were in a double parked car. MPD detectives approached them in an unmarked car and plain clothes, but they were wearing badges and holders, according to court documents. A detective asked Sutton to back his car up into an available parking space, at which point Sutton became angry and threw water at the car. The other detective turned on the car’s lights and sirens. After that, Sutton exited his vehicle and pulled out a semi-automatic gun. No one sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Sutton must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.