The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for allegedly brandishing a knife and threatening a victim following an argument between the two.
The incident occurred Dec. 5 at around 6:56 p.m. on the 100 block of 19th Street, NW. After the incident, the suspect was apprehended by responding officers.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s assistance identifying the suspect of a second-degree burglary that happened on Dec. 4.
At around 4:56 a.m., a suspect entered an establishment on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE, took property and fled the scene. He was captured by a surveillance camera.
On Dec. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur released 15 defendants and held 4 at DC Jail during initial hearings.
Antoine Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 34 year-old Demetrius Benson and 23 year-old Demeitri Anderson.
Benson was shot on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE on Nov. 3. Anderson was shot on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE on Nov. 29.
Defense attorney Dana Page argued that there is nothing more than a vague clothing description that ties Turner, 27, to both shootings. However, Judge Arthur said there was a fair amount of circumstantial evidence for probable cause and decided to hold him.
Judge Arthur scheduled Turner’s next hearing for Dec. 23.
Gregory McPhaul is charged with robbery.
Judge Arthur decided to hold McPhaul, 18, due to the nature and circumstances of the case. According to the police report, McPhaul took a backpack with its belongings from the victim and said “don’t make me shoot you.”
His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Two defendants were held in their respective domestic violence cases. One of them is charged with a misdemeanor for arson for allegedly barricading a family member in a bathroom before setting it on fire.
The other domestic violence defendant, a 21-year-old male, is charged with a misdemeanor for assault with a dangerous weapon and was held due to repeated violations of a stay away order along with having two other pending cases.
Judge Arthur released five defendants charged in felony cases. The charges include possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Three of the defendants were ordered not to be in possession of firearms. One of the defendants was placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), and two of the defendants were given stay away orders.
Two domestic violence defendants were released by Judge Arthur. One of the defendants is charged with misdemeanors for simple assault and destruction of property; the other defendant is charged with a misdemeanor for simple assault. Both were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and were given stay away orders. One of the defendants was also given a no Harass, Assault, Threaten or Stalk (HATS) order.
Judge Arthur released five defendants in fugitive from justice cases. All of the defendants were released with orders to turn themselves in to take care of their outstanding warrants. Two of the fugitives also picked up new charges which included destruction of property less than $1,000 and unauthorized use of a vehicle. They were given stay away orders and told to report to the PSA.
Judge Arthur released two defendants in misdemeanor cases. The charges include assault on a police officer, simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. They must report to the PSA, and one defendant was given a no HATS order.
Finally, Judge Arthur released a defendant charged with a DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired. He must report to the PSA and was ordered not to drive without a valid license.
This article was written by Saif Habboub
On Nov. 25, a DC Superior Court judge ruled there was enough evidence to bring a sex abuse case to trial.
The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly trying to rape an ex-partner on Oct. 17 in Southeast, DC.
The prosecution presented their witness, a detective in the Sexual Assault Unit with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The prosecution showed several exhibits including a report from the initial investigation, which was authored by the detective and a stay away order against the defendant from Prince George’s County, Md.
Defense attorney Amanda Rogers introduced Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage of the victim being questioned by police and audio from the victim’s 911 call. Rogers pointed out inconsistencies in the detective’s testimony and information revealed in BWC footage.
Judge Robert Okun said that, although there were many inconsistencies, probable cause is established in this case because it is a low standard.
He also said that the defendant’s limited criminal history and the weakness of the evidence against him weighs in favor of allowing the defendant to be put on pretrial release. The defendant was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring and an order to stay away from the victim.
This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.
A DC Superior Court judge presided over arraignments for a fugitive case and a misdemeanor case on Dec. 4.
Irvin Courts is charged with being a fugitive of justice in Maryland for failure to appear in court.
Defense attorney Thomas Engle asked the Judge James Crowell to release the defendant since he was at DC jail during the time he was scheduled to appear before the Maryland court.
Judge Crowell released him and ordered him to resolve his outstanding bench warrant in Maryland. An extradition hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2021.
The second defendant is charged with simple assault for allegedly assaulting three victims on Dec. 2.
The prosecution requested that Ronald Whitehead, 40, be held due to the seriousness of the crimes and be given a no Harass, Assault, Threaten or Stalk (HATS) order.
Judge Crowell issued the No HATS order and imposed a $50 bash bond. Whitehead’s next hearing is scheduled for May. 5, 2021.
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2020 CMD 009087
Emily Pengelly wrote this article.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting that happened on June 28.
At around 10:46 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE for the report of a shooting. There, they found an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The 23 year-old suspect was arrested for assault with intent to kill on Dec. 4.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for first-degree murder – felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in the death of 11 month-old Makenzie Anderson.
The homicide happened Feb. 6 on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE, according to a press release.
At around 2:56 p.m. that day, MPD members were notified of an infant that was transported to an area hospital with multiple life threatening injuries, from which she ultimately died. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.
Tyra Anderson, 27, was arrested on Dec. 4.
On Dec. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held four defendants and released fifteen during their initial hearings.
Gerald Stewart, 39, is held on a charge of armed robbery for allegedly stealing a cell phone from and beating up a man who was speaking with Stewart’s girlfriend on the 300 block of Florida Ave, NW on Dec. 2. Stewart had four open cases at the time of the alleged offense, one of which is a bail violation for failing to appear at court while on pretrial release.
“Significantly, Mr. Stewart has multiple pending cases and he does not seem to be compliant with the conditions of his release,” said Judge McKenna. “Even before the pandemic he was noncompliant with an order for a mental health assessment.”
Judge McKenna also held Brittany Sprouse, 29, on a charge of armed robbery. Sprouse, Stewart’s girlfriend, allegedly beat up and stole a cell phone from a man who was speaking with her. According to court documents, Sprouse was allegedly found with a pocket knife at the time of arrest.
The judge noted that although Sprouse has a limited criminal history, she should be held because she allegedly committed the offense while on release in an ongoing case as well as the violent nature of this case.
The judge held Deangelo Williams, 31, on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Williams allegedly dropped a firearm while running from police on Dec. 2 on the 200 block of V Street, NW. Williams has previously been convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and allegedly committed the offense while on probation for that conviction. He also has had other gun-related charges in the past.
The judge held him “given that he is currently on an intensive level of supervision for the exact same offense, including prior gun offenses.”
A 27-year-old male is held on charges of misdemeanor sex abuse, simple assault, attempted sex abuse and unlawful entry onto public property for allegedly groping multiple women without consent on Nov. 27 on the 400 block of Bryant Street, NW. The defendant allegedly committed the offense while on release in a pending domestic violence case. He was held because he allegedly committed the offense while on release, and he was recently released from jail on Sept. 3 after multiple convictions in other domestic violence cases.
Seven defendants charged with felonies were released, promising to return to court. One of the defendants was also released with a stay away order.
Four defendants charged as fugitives from justice were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions by 5 p.m. on Dec. 4.
Four defendants charged with misdemeanors were released, one with a stay away order and one with a stay away order and an order to not harass, assault, threaten, or stalk (HATS) the alleged victim.
This article was written by Maansi Srivastava.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the100 block of Joliet Street, SW on Dec. 2.
According to a press release, officers found 30-year-old Maurice Johnson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.
The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who can provide information which leads to the arrest and conviction in this case or in any other homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with two homicides that happened in November.
On Dec. 3, 27 year-old Antoine Turner was arrested for two counts of first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of 23 year-old Demeitri Anderson and 34 year-old Demetrius Benson.
At around midnight on Nov. 3, officers responded to the 4500 block of Dix Street, Northeast for the report of a shooting. There, they found Benson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
At around 12:40 p.m. on Nov. 29, officers responded to the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE after they heard gunshots. There, they found Anderson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Anderson was also arrested for felon in possession of a firearm. He has a prior arrest history that includes charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, distribution of a controlled substance, cruelty to animals, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, first-degree burglary and robbery.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an unarmed robbery of an M&T Bank on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE that happened on Nov. 15, 2018.
At around 1:45 p.m. that day, the suspect allegedly entered the bank and passed a note demanding money. The teller complied and the suspect allegedly fled with money.
The 44 year-old suspect was arrested for unarmed bank robbery on Dec. 4.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts in a 12-hour period between 9 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 4.
The MPD sent out three alerts for a robberies involving violence on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The alerts were sent at 11:17 p.m., 10:40 p.m. and 10:36 p.m. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) in these cases.
The final alert was sent at 9:09 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).
A DC Superior Court judge held two out of the three defendants whose cases were heard on Dec. 3.
Judge Sherry Trafford found that the evidence against a defendant charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm is enough to bring his case to trial. The defendant is accused of holding a victim down onto a bed and hitting her with a belt multiple times. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the incident testified in court about it.
Defense Attorney Theodore Shaw said the victim is seen, on Body Worn Camera Footage, telling the officer officer “he’s trying to hit me.” However, there was also a call made later that night between the officer and the victim, in which she recanted what she said.
Shaw argued that there was no probable cause as there was no real evidence as the story of the victim continued to change and that there were three to four different stories that had yet to be proven true.
However, the prosecutor said that the change of story wasn’t a complete alteration of what she told the officer that night. The prosecutor said the conversation during the call was a clarification of what happened.
The prosecutor also mentioned the defendant’s long criminal history which extended across three states, as well as his failure to comply with release requirements multiple times.
Judge Trafford agreed with the prosecution, declining to release the defendant because of his dangerous nature from past occurrences and his continued failure to abide by the Pretrial Services Agency conditions.
Trafford decided to hold the defendant until his next status hearing, which is scheduled for Jan. 5.
She also found probable cause in the new charges that another domestic violence defendant picked up in his case.
The defendant’s case began on Sept. 24 when he was charged with simple assault. At the time, he was released with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and stay away from the victim. Less than a month later, he was arrested again and charged with simple assault and a Civil Protection Order (CPO) violation.
He is only being tried on the two violations of CPO and the newest assault charge as the previous one was quashed.
In the final domestic violence case heard, parties agreed that the defendant charged with simple assault and assault on a police officer could be released into the community.
The defendant allegedly spit on MPD officers who were trying to restrain him after he walked down a street waving his arms and speaking loudly without making sense.
The defendant, who is diagnosed with a bipolar disorder as well as a schizoaffective disorder, has been receiving treatment for mental health.
Parties recognized that, prior to the offense, he had been taking medication for his disorders and was seeking more treatment for them. He was also reporting to court sanctioned treatment but missed a meeting. According to the attorneys, when he did show up the mental health agency turned him away, and he was unable to get medication due to not having an appointment.
Judge Trafford also stated that his criminal record showed that his last criminal offense occurred six years ago.
Judge Trafford chose to release the defendant on a stay away order with the requirements that he report to pretrial services, mental health treatment, and report to the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU), a unit that deals with defendants who are released with mental health disorders.
A DC Superior Court judge presided over ten pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Dec. 2.
Judge Michael O’Keefe issued a bench warrant for the arrest of one of the defendants, Caleb Johnson, after he failed to show up to his hearing.
Johnson, 22, is charged with escape from an officer. According to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA,) he has never reported to them by phone. Defense attorney Chidi Ogolo has also not been able to contact his client.
Judge O’Keefe also scheduled sentencing hearings for three defendants who pleaded guilty in their respective cases.
Nineteen year-old co-defendants Raven Southerland and Nyle Fitzgerald were charged with second-degree burglary in June. They pleaded down to second-degree theft. Fitzgerald also pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and Sutherland pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property.
Judge O’Keefe scheduled the two to be sentenced on Dec. 22.
Xiyuan Chang pleaded down from assault with a dangerous weapon to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chang, 20, fired a BB gun at a victim after a traffic incident on the 1300 block of New York Avenue, NE on March 10, according to the case’s proffer.
Judge O’Keefe scheduled Chang’s sentencing hearing for Jan. 27.
Judge O’Keefe continued hearings for six defendants.
Glendon Kelly is serving 12 months of probation for simple assault.
According to a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative, Kelly has been doing well since September despite having two pending arrests.
Kelly’s two arrests are set for a status hearing for Jan. 25. Judge O’Keefe continued this hearing for Jan. 25 so it could trail his new cases.
Marvin Parker is charged with a DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired.
According to the PSA, Parker has not been compliant with his release conditions and has an extraditable warrant in Prince George’s County, Md. Parker will be sent there in order to resolve the warrant.
Judge O’Keefe scheduled Parker’s next hearing for Dec. 23 in order for him to resolve his outstanding issues and come back into compliance. A possible plea deal is also in the works, according to the prosecution.
Haile Salam is charged with GPS tampering. The 39-year-old defendant was not present at his hearing. A PSA representative said he was arrested for a parole violation on Nov. 17.
Judge O’Keefe continued the hearing to Dec. 23.
A 57-year-old defendant is charged with misdemeanors for sex abuse, threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry onto private property and contempt in four cases.
During his hearing, he asked Judge O’Keefe for a new lawyer.
“He (defense attorney Stuart Johnson) is horribly ineffective to be diplomatic about it,” said the defendant.
He asked for Lee Johnson to be appointed as his new attorney. Judge O’Keefe was able to contact Johnson and confirm his appointment.
According to the PSA, the defendant has also been in violation of his stay away orders. PSA recommended GPS monitoring.
Judge O’Keefe ordered for the defendant to be placed under GPS monitoring and continued his case for Jan. 26 to give him time to come into compliance with his release conditions.
Leon Harper is serving 15 months of probation for attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP, a DUI and simple assault in three cases.
According to CSOSA, Harper, 56, has not completed any of his probation requirements and has had three separate arrests for driving without a permit. CSOSA asked for Harper’s probation to be revoked.
Defense attorney Brett Cohen asked Judge O’Keefe to give his client some more time to finish his requirements as it’s been a difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judge O’Keefe decided to give Harper until his next Jan. 25 hearing to get into compliance with his probation conditions.
Wendell Pickett is serving nine months of probation for first-degree theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Pickett was not present at his hearing.
However, a CSOSA representative explained that he was not able to get in contact with the defendant last week, which is why he didn’t know about the hearing. The representative said he has stayed in touch with them for the most part.
Judge O’Keefe decided to continue the hearing to Jan. 25 to see if Pickett stays in compliance.
A DC Superior Court Judge held 10 defendants, releasing 15 during initial hearings on Dec. 2.
Lester Rowland is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, disorderly conduct and simple assault.
On Dec. 1, Rowland, 34, allegedly threatened a victim with a knife and attempted to assault him at a Starbucks on the 3300 block of M Street, NW. Rowland’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, asked that he be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).
Judge Errol Arthur denied her request and held Rowland until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 22.
Andre Dubose is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, Dubose, 30, allegedly assaulted two victims with a metal pole from a bed frame.
Due to the seriousness of the crime, Judge Arthur held Dubose. The defendant’s next court date, which is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Judge Arthur also held Keith London, who is charged with possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
On the evening of Nov. 8, London, 40, was allegedly involved in a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of P Street, SW. One victim was injured during the shooting but only suffered minor injuries. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was able to identify London as their suspect with the help of eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage. When London was arrested, he was allegedly found with heroin as well as prescription drugs, including a drug used to treat opioid addiction.
Terrence Stroman is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting at a victim outside a Safeway on the 300 block of 40th Street, NE. The offense occurred on the evening of Dec. 1. Stroman, 41, attempted to escape but was detained by two witnesses who saw what had happened.
Stroman is currently being held at DC jail until his next court hearing.
Among those held was Anthony Hargrove, who is charged with assault to commit robbery while armed.
On Dec. 1, Hargrove, 37, along with another suspect, walked into a building located on the 1100 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW, armed with a firearm. Hargrove allegedly threatened the victim and attempted to steal some marijuana from the facility, which operates as an illegal marijuana shop. Due to the amount of evidence in the court documents Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to detain Hargrove.
Hargrove’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Three defendants charged with being fugitives from justice were held. Two, William Williams and Jameise Christian, are wanted in Maryland, and one, William Gage, is wanted in North Carolina. They will be held at the DC jail for three days while waiting for the demanding jurisdiction to come and pick them up.
Enoch Brown IV is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Brown, 29, has a previous firearm charge. The prosecution asked that he be detained due to the lack of compliance with his previous conditions.
Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to hold Brown at DC jail until his next court hearing.
The judge also held Larry Hucks, who was brought in on a bench warrant. The defendant is a fugitive from Maryland and failed to turn himself in after being released on Feb. 19.
Judge Arthur released five defendants charged with misdemeanors. The charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, second-degree theft, probation violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. All five defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims or places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are all scheduled to appear in court on May 5, 2021.
Three defendants, charged with being fugitives from the state of Virginia, were released. Their underlying charges include possession of a weapon, vehicle theft, failure to appear in a larceny case and probation violation in an assault case.
Judge Arthur released four defendants with felony charges, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. All were released and ordered to report to the PSA.
Three defendants with domestic violence-related charges were released. All three defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the alleged incidents. The defendants must return to court on May 5, 2021.
An additional nine defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution.
Emily Pengelly wrote this article.
