Document: MPD Detective Dies in Domestic-Related Homicide

Detective Timothy Francis, who had 20 years of dedicated service with the Metropolitan Police Department and was most recently assigned to the Homicide Unit’s Natural Squad, has died.

Francis was fatally shot in a domestic-related homicide on Nov. 27 in Charles County, Md. The suspect was also found dead on the scene. The case is currently under investigation by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

“Mourning the tragic loss of our colleague and friend is extremely difficult,” said Chief Peter Newsham.” Detective Francis spent two decades protecting the community from violence, and to learn that he was the victim of a homicide is heartbreaking.”

Judge Holds 9 Defendants, Releases 17 During Presentments

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held nine defendants and released 17 defendants during initial hearings on Nov. 25.

Stephon Yates, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed as well as assault with a dangerous weapon after being arrested for stabbing a woman 29 times in her apartment.

Yates’ acting defense attorney argued that the arrest warrant affidavit was based solely on the statements of the victim. She also said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) could not offer any evidence to corroborate the victim’s claims.

The attorney requested enrollment in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) would better serve her client and pose no risk to the victim.

The prosecution disagreed, arguing in favor of detaining Yates because of the violent nature of the crime and the allegation that he fled the scene after the crime only to be arrested five days later.

Judge McKenna decided to hold Yates as well as issue a stay-away order from the victim.

Jamelia Washington, 39, appeared before the court in four separate cases. Judge McKenna held her on a parole violation but released her on a fugitive from Virginia case as well as bench warrant matters for failing to appear at her hearings.

Judge McKenna held Jamal Rivas on a parole violation. Rivas, 24, was also brought before the court with new charges of possession of liquid PCP and failing to charge his GPS device. He was released on his two new cases.

Malcolm Brown was held in two cases. He is charged as a fugitive from Maryland, where he is wanted for burglary. He is also charged with second-degree burglary in DC. Judge McKenna decided to hold Brown, 26, since he has incurred six cases in six months.

Judge McKenna held Zachary O’Connor, a fugitive from Virginia, on two separate charges of larceny and aggravated assault. Given the violent nature of the aggravated assault, Judge McKenna gave O’Connor the choice between waiting in DC Jail for three days until the demanding jurisdiction collects him or scheduling a hearing sometime in January. Either way, Judge McKenna said he would be held.

O’Connor opted to waive his extradition hearing, so Virginia authorities have three business days to retrieve him.

Judge McKenna granted the prosecution’s request to hold Everett Hayes, Jr. Hayes, 49, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Hayes was just released from incarceration on Nov. 5, so the judge decided he should be held.

Jude McKenna held Kharris Akinola who had two bench warrants issued against him for pretrial and probation violations. Akinola, 18, is charged with second-degree burglary and carrying a pistol without a license in his underlying cases. Judge McKenna said she is holding Akinola because of “blatant non-compliance with pretrial and supervision.”

Jahru Gathers is wanted for homicide in Maryland. Gathers waived his right to an extradition hearing, opting to be held in DC Jail for Maryland authorities to pick him up.

Finally, Keonta White was held on charges of contempt, unlawful entry and destruction of property of $1000 or more. White, 26, was also involved in a similar case with the same complainants in 2019, which is why Judge McKenna decided to hold him.

After Judge McKenna decided to hold him, White attempted to argue against her decision. He said that he has checked in with the Pretrial Release Agency (PSA). However, Judge McKenna assured him she considered all aspects of his circumstances.

Of the 17 defendants that Judge McKenna released, four were charged in domestic violence cases. All four are charged with simple assault while two have additional charges of attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, respectively. They were all given stay-away orders as part of their pretrial release conditions.

Judge McKenna released eight defendants who are charged with felonies. The majority of the charges involved either distribution of controlled substances or possession of firearms. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders, while the rest were ordered to check in with PSA once a month.

Three defendants charged with misdemeanors were released, and one defendant brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing was also released.

One final defendant charged with being a fugitive from Virginia was released with orders to turn herself in to the appropriate jurisdiction’s authorities.

Finally, one defendant, who is in the hospital, had their hearing continued to Nov. 26.

Document: Arrest Made in Burglary Two Offense.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest in a burglary offense that occurred on Nov. 25.

On the 400 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW, at around 1:25 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment and attempted to steal property. The suspect was immediately apprehended by responding officers.

A 29-year-old male was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Document: Arrest Made In Burglary Offense

On Nov. 24, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest in a burglary offense that occurred on Nov. 24.

At around 11:09 p.m., the suspect broke into a residence on the 2200 block of 14 Street, NW and attempted to steal property before being apprehended by responding officers.

A 26-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary.

Emily Pengelly wrote this post.

Document: Suspect Sought in Robbery Offense

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking a suspect involved in a robbery of force and violence offense.

On Nov. 25, at approximately 5:23 a.m. on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, the suspect approached and assaulted the victim, stealing property from the establishment before fleeing the scene.

If anyone has knowledge about or can identify the individual associated with the robbery, call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the department’s Text Tip Line at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Emily Pengelly wrote this post.

Document: Suspect Sought for First-Degree Sex Abuse

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying and locating the suspect of a first-degree sexual abuse (stranger) offense involving a juvenile victim.

At around 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 21, a suspect approached the victim in the sixth district and engaged in unwanted sexual contact with the victim. The suspect then fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a Black male with a light complexion, wearing dark clothing with a hood over his head.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Nov. 5.

At around 11:33 p.m., the suspect and victim were arguing on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, according to a press release. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene.

The 29 year-old suspect was arrested on Nov. 24.

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Judge Continues Hearings for Defendants Charged with Sex Abuse

On Nov. 24, a DC Superior Court judge continued hearings for two sex abuse defendants so they can consider plea offers.

One defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse in one case and misdemeanor sexual abuse in the other. In the felony matter, the defendant allegedly attempted to sexually assault a woman in the lobby of her Petworth residence in Northwest, DC on Sept. 6. In the misdemeanor matter, the defendant allegedly touched a man without permission on the green line train on that same day.

“The government extended a plea offer and we will need some time to discuss this plea offer with [the defendant],” defense attorney Russel Hairston said, asking Judge Judith Smith to continue the hearing.

Judge Smith scheduled the defendant’s next court appearance for Dec. 21.

Another defendant is charged in five misdemeanor cases, two of which involve sex abuse charges.

In his first sex abuse case, the defendant is charged with misdemeanor sex abuse for allegedly touching two women without their permission at the Gallery Place Metro Station in Northwest, DC on Nov. 8. In the other, he is charged with misdemeanor sex abuse of a child or minor for allegedly touching a minor without permission at a convenience store in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in Northeast, DC on Aug. 2.

The defendant is also charged with assault on a police officer and bail violations in his other cases.

“There has been a global plea offer extended that I need to go over with my client, so I will need at least two weeks to do that,” defense attorney Thomas Key said, also asking he judge for the status hearing to be continued so he could discuss a plea agreement with his client.

Judge Smith continued the defendant’s status hearing to Dec. 16.

Document: Suspect Sought for Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying the suspect of an armed robbery that happened on the morning of Nov. 21.

At around 9:10 a.m., a suspect entered an establishment on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Then, the suspect brandished a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied, and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

Judge Releases 24 Out of 28 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Nov. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 24 defendants, holding four defendants in DC Jail.

Donta Jones is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to court documents, Jones, 39, allegedly stabbed a man twice, once in the arm and once in the back, on Nov. 10. When officers arrested Jones for the offense on Nov. 23, they allegedly found 44 ounces of cocaine on him.

Judge McKenna decided to hold Jones at DC Jail pending his next hearing given his noncompliance in two additional pending cases as well as the serious nature of the assault allegations.

Rondale Edwards, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, was also held at the jail. Edwards, 19, allegedly stabbed a stranger on the metro on Nov. 23. Edwards’ defense attorney requested for his release, citing that he has a job, is receiving mental health treatment and has a 2-year-old child at home.

Judge McKenna said she considered placing him on GPS monitoring, but he has allegedly been noncompliant with GPS monitoring for another case. Jones also has two additional pending cases in DC.

Malik West is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed. Documents state that West, 20, was stopped by officers in Northeast, DC, where they allegedly discovered a firearm as well as narcotics in his possession. According to court documents, West told the officers he keeps the gun for protection.

West’s defense counsel requested his release, citing his limited criminal history, which only includes one conviction. Judge McKenna denied the request and decided to hold West, saying he poses a threat to the community.

Judge McKenna also held Stephanie Tucker, who is charged with two new cases and was also brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at her hearing in a pending case. In her two new cases, Tucker, 21, is charged with second-degree theft and simple assault. Judge McKenna said she decided to hold the defendant due to the serious allegations in the assault case and because the defendant has incurred “a lot of cases in a very short period of time.”

Of those who were released, four were charged on misdemeanors in domestic violence cases. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders, though the fourth was reminded of a stay-away order that is already in place in another, pending case.

Judge McKenna released five defendants who are charged with felonies. The charges include carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, assault with a dangerous weapon and first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Two of the defendants were ordered to wear GPS monitoring devices, while the defendant charged with sexual abuse was also ordered to 24-hour home confinement through the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Two defendants charged as fugitives from justice and one charged with a traffic offense were also released. The fugitives were ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions, and the traffic offense defendant was ordered not to drive without a valid license or after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Judge McKenna also released eight defendants charged with misdemeanors and four defendants brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Five of the misdemeanor defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

One final defendant was still in the hospital, so his hearing was moved to Nov. 25.

Document: Suspect Sought for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in relation to a burglary of an establishment that occurred on Nov. 21.

At around 9:51 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 800 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW. The suspect damaged and stole property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

Document: Police Warn Public About Telephone Scam

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is warning the public about a financial telephone scam involving callers posing as social workers in the attempt to extort people.

The MPD has been alerted of phone calls in which the scammers tell people that an active warrant from the MPD has been issued against them and they must pay money to absolve the issue.

In a press release, police reminded the public that the MPD will never solicit anyone for monetary funds.

They also advised people to do the following if they receive similar unsolicited phone calls:

Don’t give in to pressure to take immediate action.
Don’t engage in any conversation, as scammers may record your response.
Don’t provide your credit card number, bank account information, or other personal information to a caller.
Don’t send money if a caller tells you to wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card.
Don’t travel to any location the caller asked you to go to.

Instead, they advise that recipients of these calls contact their local police department to report the incident. They also advise anyone who has been a victim of this scam in DC to contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.

Document: Police Seek Suspect for Burglary in Northwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Nov. 21.

At approximately 6:20 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 1300 block of F Street, NW and took property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in photos in the press release below.

Document: Suspect Sought for Robbery Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in connection to a robbery that occurred on Nov. 22.

At approximately 7:56 a.m., the suspected entered an establishment on the 1900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The suspect demanded money and other items from the establishment, and the victims complied.

The suspect was captured by a nearby camera and can be seen in the video below.

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