Crime Alerts: Sept. 1-2

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out nine crime alerts from just after 4 p.m. on Sept. 1 to just before 7 a.m. on Sept. 2. Eight of the alerts were in reference to robberies.

The most recent crime alert was sent a 6:40 a.m. for a robbery with a gun on the block 5500 block of Colorado Avenue, NW. Police are looking for two black males, between 5’5″-5’6″, 16 years of age, wearing gray hoodies and blue jeans. One subject is armed with a small black handgun. The suspects were last seen walking eastbound on Longfellow through the alley.

At 4:34 a.m. police arrested a suspect for a robbery by force on the 1100 block of Vermont Avenue, NW.

At 12:07 a.m. there was a shooting on the 1400 block of V Street, NW. Police do not have a description available of the suspect.

On Sept. 1 at 11:06 p.m., an alert was sent for a robbery on the 1900 block of Calvert Street, NW. Police are looking for three black males. One of the males is 6’3″ with a slim build, dark complexion and wearing a medical mask, The other two males are between 18-20 years old and wearing dark clothing. All of the suspects are armed and riding in a silver Toyota sedan.

At 10:53 p.m., an alert was sent for a robbery investigation on the 1100 block of 45th Place, SE. The police are looking for a group consisting of two black females and six males, approximately 13-16 years of age.

Another robbery alert was sent at 10:48 p.m. on the 1800 block of Park Road, NW. Police are looking for three black males riding in a silver 4-door sedan. One of the males is armed with a handgun.

At 9:35 p.m., an alert was sent for a robbery investigation on the 3500 block of 12th Street, NE. Police are looking for a black male between 16-17 years old, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and a blue surgical mask.

At 8:22 p.m., an alert for a robbery investigation on the 2100 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. There is a lookout for a black male, between 30-40 years old, 130-140 pounds, who was last seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and armed with a black handgun.

At 4:44 p.m., there was an alert for a robbery investigation on the 1500 block of 42nd Street, SE. There is a lookout for a Black Honda with unknown Maryland tags.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Judge Holds 8 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 20 defendants and held eight defendants in DC Jail during their initial hearings.

Judge Crowell held Marcel Gordon, 25, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed, for allegedly taking part in the shooting of 11-year-old Davon McNeal on July 4. The shooting occurred on the 1400 Block of Cedar Street, SE, at approximately 9:21 P.M.

Gordon’s attorney asked Judge Crowell to not find probable cause, because the victim and Gordon were allegedly at the same family gathering with no animosity between the two. Gordon’s attorney also argued against probable cause, citing the blurry black and white security camera footage as unreliable.

The prosecutor argued that multiple witnesses who claimed they had seen Gordon was enough for Judge Crowell to find probable cause. He went on to explain that officers had been looking for Gordon for some time, even tracking him to New Jersey. Due to Gordon’s attempt to flee, his prior weapons history and the substantial amount of evidence against him, Judge Crowell chose to hold him in DC jail.

Judge Crowell held Curtis Smith, who is charged with second-degree theft, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. The prosecution said Judge Crowell should hold Smith based on his extensive criminal history and failure to complete an address verification with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Judge Crowell found probable cause, adding, Smith “is likely to violate a condition of release.”

Judge Crowell held a 26-year-old defendant, who is charged with simple assault and a civil protection order (CPO) violation in a domestic violence case. The defendant is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, which was a gun, in another case. The prosecution said Judge Crowell should hold the defendant because there are no conditions that can possibly protect the victim.

The defendant’s attorney asked for her client to be released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP), or home confinement with a stay away order. Judge Crowell referred to the eye-witness account of the offence as enough to find probable cause. Judge Crowell released the defendant in the domestic violence case but chose to hold him in the assault case due to the nature of the crime.

Judge Crowell held Travis Dash, 38, who is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. At 6:48 p.m., on Aug. 23, the defendant allegedly left the scene of a traffic crash in a U-haul box truck. He was apprehended by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers minutes after the collision.

Judge Crowell held Dash due to his two outstanding bench warrants, a fugitive matter from March and a pending case in Montgomery County, Md. Judge Crowell also held Dash due to his failures to comply with release conditions in previous cases.

Marlon Bacote, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (pistol) and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, was held by Judge Crowell. Bacote allegedly shot a victim multiple times in Union Station before being taken into police custody.

Bacote’s defense attorney asked Judge Crowell to not find probable cause since none of the eight witnesses had seen the shooting occur. The prosecution said there is video footage of Bacote discarding a firearm immediately after the shooting. Judge Crowell found probable cause and decided to hold Bacote, saying the allegation in the police report is “quite strong” and that he is a danger to the community.

Judge Crowell held Zachary Coleman who is charged with a bail violation and has two bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings in August of 2019. The judge decided to release him in the bail case but held him on the bench warrants in order to ensure his appearance at his next hearings.

Haile Salaam is charged with GPS tampering for failing to charge his monitoring device. Judge Crowell released him in his new case, but he was held on a parole warrant.

Finally, Judge Crowell held Victor Dunlap, who is also charged with GPS tampering for failing to charge his monitoring device in another case. As with Salaam, Judge Crowell released Dunlap in his tampering case, but he was held in DC Jail due to a parole warrant.

Of those released, three defendants did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution and one was released on a citation to return to court at a later date.

Judge Crowell released three defendants charged in domestic violence cases. Two of the defendants were given no harassing, assaultive, threatening or stalking (HATS) orders, and one was given a stay-away order.

Four defendants charged with being fugitives from justice, where they are wanted in Maryland and Virginia for various charges, were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions within the next 24 hours.

Judge Crowell released five defendants charged with misdemeanors and one defendant charged in a traffic case for DUI. All of the misdemeanor defendants were given stay-away orders and the traffic defendant was ordered not to operate a vehicle at all due to his repeated DUIs.

One defendant, charged with carrying a pistol without a license, was released on GPS monitoring and ordered not to possess firearms or ammunition.

Two defendants, brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings, were released with orders to return to court on Jan. 2, 2021.

Judge Confirms Mental Observation Hearing Date in Stabbing Case

On Sept. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker confirmed the scheduling of a mental observation hearing date for a stabbing case.

Antonio Colbert is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim on the left side of his abdomen in a 7/11 store on the 900 block of 17th Street, NW on July 22.

Colbert, 50, is currently undergoing a psychological evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand to trial. The competency evaluation was ordered on Aug. 20.

The mental observation hearing date is set for Sept. 24.

Felony Status Conference Scheduled for Firearm Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for a defendant to enter into a plea agreement.

Raymond Poston is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Poston, 53, was arrested on the 400 block of Florida Avenue, SE on May 29, according to court documents. A Georgetown University police officer heard gunshots being fired and located two victims who had been shot. One victim was shot in the left side of the hip. Another victim was shot in the right leg.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the felony status conference for Sept. 28. Poston remains held at the DC Jail.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers initially believed that Poston was a witness, court documents state. However, upon recovering a revolver matching the description that other witnesses provided, as well as an empty bullet casing, Poston emerged as a suspect.

Judge Schedules Status Hearing for Post-Conviction Sex Abuse Case

On Sept. 1, a DC Superior Court judge Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled a status hearing for a post-conviction sex abuse case.

A jury found Urbano Vazquez guilty of second-degree child sex abuse and misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child on Aug. 15, 2019.

The hearing was scheduled after Vazquez declined to continue his case for trial.

In February, the parties set the case down for a non-jury trial, which has been pushed back several times over the past year.

The defendant was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In all of the charges of which the defendant was found guilty, he was also found culpable of committing sex offenses against two or more victims.

Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled the status hearing for Dec. 7.

Judge Continues Murder Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a murder hearing to give the defense time to discuss evidence with the prosecution.

Wesley Scott Jr. is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of David Deandre Young, a 28-year-old resident of Southeast, DC. Young was shot to death on April 3 on the 3500 block of 22 Street, SE.

According to court documents, after months of interviewing witnesses, tracking vehicles, and using security footage, Scott, 20, and his co-defendant, 18-year-old Michael Benbow, were identified as suspects. Benbow is being held without bail.

Defense attorney Matthew Davies asked Judge Julie Becker for more time to review evidence. Judge Becker scheduled Scott and Benbow for a hearing on Sept. 14.

Scott is currently being held at DC Jail.

Document: Suspect Arrested, One Charge Investigated as Potentially Hate/Bias Motivated

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon, APO simple assault and felony threats. The alleged assault with a dangerous weapon is being investigated as potentially being motivated by hate or bias.

At around 10:24 p.m. on Aug. 31, two people were arguing on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW. The suspect allegedly took out a knife and tried to assault the victim. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was apprehended, and allegedly assaulted and threatened an officer.

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Document: Police Seek Suspect In Assault Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect involved in an assault on a police officer case that occurred on Aug. 8 on the 3000 block of M Street, NW.

At around 5:23 p.m., the suspect threatened and assaulted an on-duty MPD officer before fleeing the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in the photo below.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Multiple Charges

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition, possession of unregistered firearm/ unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device and possession of a large ammunition feeding device.

At around 3:11 p.m. on Aug. 31, the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm on the Unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE, striking a victim.

The victim was taken to the hospital with a non-life threatening injury.

The suspect was arrested that same day.

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Document: Police Arrest 4th Suspect Wanted in Fatal July 4th Shooting of Child

The Metropolitan Police Department announced Sept. 1 that they have arrested the fourth suspect wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy in Southeast, DC.

On Aug. 31, 25-year-old Marcel Gordon turned himself in to authorities. He was wanted for his alleged roles in the shooting of 11-year-old Davon McNeal on the 1400 block of Cedar Street, SE.

The case is still under investigation.

As of Sept. 1, the police have arrested 22-year-old Christian Wingfield, 20-year-old Carlo General and 19-year-old Daryle Bond in connection to the homicide. Officers arrested Bond on July 9; Wingfield was arrested on July 10 and General was arrested on July 29.

The defendants, who were previously apprehended, are scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 30. Their cases are also waiting to go before a grand jury.

Wingfield and General were on pretrial release for firearm possession cases.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Defendant’s Case Dismissed After Successful Deferment

On Sept. 1, a DC Superior Court judge dismissed a defendant’s case after he successfully completed the terms of his Deferred Sentencing Agreement.

Tamar Cunningham pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license on Aug. 3. The prosecution agreed that the guilty plea would be withdrawn if he completed community service hours within the allotted deferment period.

Cunningham, 24, was determined to have successfully completed his community service on Aug. 21. Therefore, Judge Gerald Fisher withdrew his plea and dismissed the case.

The defendant was initially detained during his initial hearing on Jan. 11. However, he was released three days later.

In January, Cunningham was indicted for carrying a pistol without a license plus two additional charges of possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. All but one of his pistol charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Judge Continues Hearing, Giving Counsel Time to Finalize Plea Agreement

A DC Superior Court judge continued a Sept. 1 hearing so that a defendant could enter a plea.

Mark Anthony is charged with attempted stalking, unlawful entry and destruction of property less than $1,000 for allegedly breaking into a victim’s home in Northwest, DC and breaking a window on June 20.

Defense attorney Greg Barron asked for the case to be continued so that his client can be arraigned in another case and parties can continue discussing a plea deal for this one.

Anthony, 39, was released with GPS monitoring. However, on June 22, a contempt of court alert was issued and Anthony received a bench warrant for his arrest. He was held following a bench warrant return hearing that was held on July 16. Anthony is still being held in DC prison.

According to court documents, Anthony has shown up two times to the victim’s residence unannounced prior to the June 29 incident. He then allegedly violated his stay-away order by showing up to the victim’s window.

Judge Jonathan Pittman scheduled Anthony’s next status hearing for Sept. 11.

Judge Holds Defendant Accused of Assault and Unlawful Possession of A Firearm

A DC Superior Court judge decided not to release a defendant being treated for a gunshot wound to the chest.

Cedric Moore, 36, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On the evening of June 22, the defendant allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and began shooting at three people who had just left a bus bay in front of the Congress Heights Metro Station in Southeast, DC. One of the victims returned fire, leaving the defendant with a gunshot wound to the chest.

The defendant refused medical aid from responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. He was driven to United Medical Center, where he received treatment for a gunshot wound. Officers followed the defendant to the hospital and watched over him as he received the treatment, according to court documents.

The Aug. 31 bond review hearing was scheduled to determine if the defendant should be allowed to leave DC Jail for additional treatment at a DC hospital.

Moore’s attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, said her client tested positive for an antibiotic resistant infection and is being treated by the Department of Corrections (DOC) medical staff.

An attorney representing DOC said Moore is being seen daily by a wound care nurse to change his bandages, and weekly by a physician’s assistant to inspect the wound.

When Judge Michael O’Keefe asked if Moore was still on antibiotics, the attorney said Moore was on antibiotics but is now only given Ibuprofen.

The DOC attorney agreed to keep in contact with Moore’s attorney and to send him to an area hospital if the DOC medical staff recommends it.

Felony Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 47 Charges

A defendant pleaded not guilty to 47 charges.

Joshua Foxworth is charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, receiving stolen property worth more than $1,000, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, third-degree theft, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, credit card fraud, and destruction of property, third-degree theft during release, credit card fraud during release and destruction of property during release.

Foxworth, 29, is currently being held at DC Jail. Defense attorney Kevin Robertson asked DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith to continue the Sept. 1 pretrial show cause hearing so he could speak with his client.

The defendant was initially released but was later held after violating his pretrial release conditions.

Foxworth’s case began when he was charged with first-degree theft and receiving stolen property in April of 2019. He picked up the other charges last March.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers conducted a search of Foxworth’s home and found earpods that were stolen on April 4, and clothing that matched what the thief was wearing in surveillance footage.

Items recovered from Foxworth’s home on April 4 include several laptops, wallets filled with cash and credit cards, passports, ledger books and cell phones.

Judge Gives Defendant Another Chance to Comply with Release Conditions

A DC Superior Court judge gave a defendant another chance to comply with his pretrial release conditions.

Michael Garvin was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in September of 2019. He picked up additional charges for possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition less than a month later.

Garvin, 27, was detained after his initial hearing on Sept. 18, but was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) two days later. The following November, he was taken off HISP and ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

During the Aug. 31 hearing, a PSA representative said Garvin was not reporting as directed, and the PSA was unable to reach him by phone. He had allegedly been in repeated violation of his release conditions for an extended period of time.

The defendant was unable to contact his case manager earlier this year due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to his defense attorney, Jacqueline Williams. She assured Judge Gerald Fisher that those issues had resolved themselves, and Garvin would be able to stay in contact with his case manager moving forward.

Judge Fisher gave Garvin another chance on pretrial release, saying he must report at least once a week to his case manager. He then scheduled a follow-up hearing for Sept. 30.

According to court documents, Garvin was arrested on Sept. 17, 2019, after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers stopped him on the 700 block of 18th Street, NE. Officers allegedly found a firearm and ammunition in the front abdomen pocket of his jacket during a pat down of his person, and subsequently placed him under arrest.

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