Crime Alerts: July 27-28

Between 9 p.m. on July 27 and 10 a.m. on July 28, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out eight crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 7:22 a.m. for a robbery on the 2300 Block of 4th Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, light complexion, 5’11”, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans and armed with a black handgun.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 4:10 a.m. on the 3300 block of Benning Road, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, between 20 and 25 years of age, wearing a white button down shirt on top of a white tank top and dark pants.

An alert for an assault with intent to rob was sent at 12:57 a.m. on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, 18-25 years old, light complexion, driving a dark RAV 4 with unknown tags.

An alert for a robbery was sent at 12:51 a.m. on the 300 block of Eastern Avenue. Police are looking for three Black males, 19-20 years of age. The first suspect is tall and wearing a red shirt. The second suspect is tall and wearing a white shirt. The third suspect is short and wearing a black shirt.

An alert for a robbery of an establishment was sent at 12:04 a.m. on the 2500 block of Benning Road, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a blue mask, with a slim build wearing black jeans and a black short sleeved shirt. He is believed to be armed with a gun.

A crime alert for a shooting was sent at 11:44 p.m. on the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

A crime alert for a stabbing was sent at 11:24 p.m. on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

A final alert was sent at 10:26 p.m. for a shooting at the intersection of 44th and Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

Crime Alerts: July 27

There Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert at 2:57 p.m. on July 27.

Shooting Investigation at 2:30 p.m. on the 200 block of 43rd Road, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

If anyone has information about this incident, please call 911.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Defendant to Take Plea Deal

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for Aug. 11 for a firearms defendant to enter a plea deal.

Chester Harrison, 42, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Thecla Bethel, Harrison’s attorney, was under the impression that her client would be entering a plea agreement during the July 27 hearing.

However, Judge Danya Dayson then informed Bethel that, under the court’s order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, defendants cannot be present at afternoon hearings. Harrison was therefore unable to enter a plea, since a defendant is required to be present to do so.

On May 23 Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw a bulge in the back of Harrison’s shirt on the 2100 block of H Street, NE. Officers then tracked Harrison and eventually stopped him for driving under the influence on the 1200 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

The officers then searched Harrison’s vehicle at the scene and recovered a functioning handgun that was stolen from Virginia.

Harrison was convicted of the same charge in 2017.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Robbery Defendant

On July 27, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing for Aug. 24 to determine if an armed robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Rochelle Crowder, 52, is accused of stabbing a man while trying to get the victims debit card information on May 23 on the 1400 block of Perry Place, NW.

Crowder’s attorney, Joseph Yarbough, said he was unsure of possible dates for the preliminary hearing because he had not been in contact with the prosecution’s witness.

The prosecution said they had been in contact with the witness but had not been able to ask her when she was available.

Judge Danya Dayson said it makes more sense to schedule a hearing date in court. She also said the prosecution can file a motion to change the date of the hearing if the current date does not work for the witness.

After receiving the wrong PIN number for the card, Crowder allegedly stabbed the victim in his hand and thigh, according to court documents. He was arrested later that day after the victim flagged down Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and gave them a description of Crowder.

Document: Traffic Fatality Involving Police Vehicle

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer’s vehicle was involved in a traffic crash on July 24.

At 9:37 p.m., a member of the MPD was responding to assist another officer in a marked police vehicle. The officer was on the 2800 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, when he hit an adult female who was walking on the road.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as 62-year old Devonne Christine Harris.

The MPD’s Internal Affairs Division and Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating the crash.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Connection to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

On July 27, a 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers for an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that occurred on Jan. 20.

At 12:56 a.m., the suspect allegedly approached the victims on the 1900 block of Lawrence Street, NE. The suspect demanded the victims’ property and fired the gun when one of the victims fled the scene. No one was injured.

The suspect is awaiting his initial hearing in DC Superior Court.

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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Burglary Offense

On July 26, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to a burglary that occurred earlier that day.

The suspect allegedly broke into a building on the 300 block of 53rd Street, SE. He took property and fled the scene. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

The suspect is awaiting his initial hearing in DC Superior Court.

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Judge Suspends Defendant’s Sentence Except for Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 120 days, which are all suspended, plus one year of supervised probation.

Lawrence Nailing pleased guilty to possession of a controlled substance. He was originally charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found him with amphetamines on May 25 on the 1900 block of 16 Street, SE, according to court documents. Police say the drugs were found in a plastic bag containing small green zips.

The documents also state that Nailing had more than $400 in cash when arrested.

As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, the defendant’s felony charge was downgraded to a misdemeanor.

During the July 27 sentencing, Judge Judith Smith said her decision to place Nailing on one year of supervised probation was a product of complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, she said, drug treatment programs are not currently operating. She put a year-long probation in place so Nailing could hopefully benefit from those drug treatment programs.

Linden Fry, Nailing’s attorney, said his client would “embrace” drug treatment if ordered by the court.

“I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused,” Nailing said before receiving his sentence. “I just want to put this behind me and get it over with.”

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing on July 27.

Michael Dudley is charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 for allegedly throwing a six-pack of soda onto the ground and attacking a customer at a liquor store on the 4400 block of Southern Ave, SE on Feb. 27.

The hearing was scheduled to address Dudley’s issues complying with the terms of his pretrial release. He received four notices of noncompliance since being released on May 21.

Judge Julie Becker decided to issue the warrant because of how many times Dudley failed to comply with his release conditions and his failure to appear in court.

Judge Sentences Defendant to More Than 4 Years Behind Bars

On July 27, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to four and a half years of incarceration plus three years of probation.

Earl Evans Britt Jr., 56, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and destruction of property less than $1,000. According to court documents, Britt broke into a restaurant on the 5500 block of Colorado Avenue, NW by throwing a rock through the window and stole money and liquor on May 4.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers later discovered that Britt committed three other break-ins and thefts of various establishments in DC. Two of the other break-ins occurred on April 30, 2020, and one on Dec. 16, 2019.

As part of a plea deal, the prosecution agreed to dismiss Britt’s other cases in their entirety and not seek indictment on further charges from the incidents.

Britt received a 30-day sentence for each of his four destruction of property charges, along with a four year sentence for the second-degree burglary. The sentences will run consecutively, but he will receive credit for time served.

The prosecution also read a statement from one of the owners of the establishments, who said he hopes the court accepts the sentence in the plea agreement.

The prosecution noted Britt’s positive drug test for cocaine on the date of his arrest, along with his extensive criminal history.

“I do have an addiction problem,” Britt said. “And that is what led me to commit the crimes that I did.”

Lucas Dansie, Britt’s attorney, said Britt wanted the court to know that he will take advantage of all of the services offered to him. Dansie also said that Britt was grateful that no one else was around to be injured or frightened by him.

Judge Danya Dayson said the plea agreement was appropriate given Britt’s criminal history and the fact that he was on supervised release at the time of his last arrest.

Defendant Enters into Agreement

On July 27, a defendant charged with unlawful entry onto public property entered into an agreement with the prosecution.

Caleb Welsh picked up the charge after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw him jump over a temporary security barrier on the 500 block of 17th Street, NW and enter the First Division Park, a veterans memorial, on May 25.

Welsh, 36, will have his charge dismissed without prejudice if he abides by the conditions of the agreement, which includes staying away from the White House complex and not committing any more crimes.

If Welsh violates the conditions of his agreement, the prosecution would have cause to proceed with the charge. The prosecution has sole discretion to decide whether or not the defendant’s conduct falls within the bounds of the agreement.

Because of the uncertainty regarding court dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parties did not set an exact date for the next hearing, but indicated that it would be in around six months.

Police Search for Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for suspects and vehicles connected with crimes throughout Washington, DC from March-July.

Homicide

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a Honda Civic in the shooting death of 28-year-old Devin Peterson on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW on July 19. The vehicle of interest is described to have a window tint and rear paper tag.

Officer’s are seeking a suspect in the shooting death of 45-year-old Jose Yaxon Cuc on the 4900 block of North Capitol Street, NE on July 10. There is a $25,000 reward being offered from the MPD in exchange for information that will lead investigators to arresting and convicting the person(s) responsible for the offense.

Police are also searching for a suspect wanted for the homicide of 41-year-old Alkhenala Al-Fatah on the 1200 block of Barnaby Terrace, SE on March 9.

Assault

Police are looking for a suspect in connection to an assault on a police officer on the 300 Block of 37th Street, SE on July 20. The suspect threw a rock at a police car and at an officer.

On July 1, a suspect and victim had a verbal argument that resulted in the suspect stabbing the victim with a knife at the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW.

Burglary

A suspect in connection with a burglary on the 1400 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW on July 19 is being sought. The suspect allegedly entered a business and stole property.

The police are also looking for suspects involved in an armed robbery on the 400 block of H Street, NE on June 27.

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Unarmed Carjacking

On July 19, a suspect demanded a victim’s keys at the 1100 block of Whaler Place, SE. The suspect assaulted the victim and then left in the victim’s car.

Burglary One and Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse

A suspect forced entry into a hotel room where they came in sexual contact with a victim on the 1200 Block of 22^ndStreet, NW on July 21.

Police request that anyone with information on these suspects or events contact the department at 202-727-9099. Tips can be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Judge Releases Mentally Incompetent Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant after finding him incompetent to stand trial.

Jaquan Woodberry is charged with carrying a pistol without a license with a prior felony and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a firearm in his waistband on Oct. 21, 2019, on the 2200 block of Sherman Ave, NW. At the time, the defendant was on probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

During the July 27 hearing, Judge Michael Ryan ordered the defendant to make himself available for interviews so the prosecution could decide whether or not to file a petition for civil commitment.

He was found incompetent, with no substantial probability of regaining competency, due to cognitive limitations.

Woodberry has been held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, since Jan. 27.

“I don’t see what continued hospitalization does for Mr. Woodberry except essentially warehousing him,” said defense attorney Rebecca Bloch.

The prosecution opposed release, citing Woodberry’s lack of compliance with probation.

While on probation, the defendant received 15 violations of drug testing over the course of three months. The prosecutor said this especially concerning since Woodberry was under the influence of marijuana at the time of his offense.

The prosecution also said the defendant had issues with tampering with his GPS tracking device, and was a loss of contact with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, a community-based service that provides mental health treatment.

He was noncompliant with medication and had behavioral issues at St. Elizabeth’s.

Bloch said Woodberry’s behavioral outbursts were the result of his frustrations with his hearings continuously being pushed back because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His hearing was initially supposed to be held on March 31.

Woodberry’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21 to give the prosecution time to decide if commitment papers will be filed.

Defendant Pleads Guilty

On July 27, a defendant pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

On Sept. 15, 2019, Stephen Harper, 20, fired multiple shots at two men who got into a physical altercation with his acquaintance on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Street, SW earlier that day, according to a proffer of facts by the prosecution. Harper did not injure either of the men, but he did accidentally shoot a 54-year-old bystander in the foot. The defendant was charged on Dec. 10, 2019.

Harper was briefly released to a halfway house on Dec. 17, 2019. However, he was returned to DC Jail on Feb. 26 for misconduct. He also repeatedly violated pretrial release conditions.

According to the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictments on further charges that could have stemmed from the incident. The agreement also requests that the judge impose supervised probation for less than three years.

Judge Danya Dayson accepted Harper’s guilty plea.

Derrick Page, Harper’s attorney, requested for his client’s release from DC Jail pending sentencing after the agreement was accepted.

Judge Dayson denied the request, saying that the nature of the offense is quite serious and Harper was firing his weapon indiscriminately.

Harper is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 14 for sentencing.

Defendant Fails to Appear for Hearing

A defendant failed to appear to his hearing on July 27.

Tyree Stanley is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. He picked up the charge after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers pulled him over on June 3 on suspicion he was driving a stolen vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, they retrieved the firearm.

DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker denied the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant. Instead, she continued the case to July 31 to give the defendant another chance to appear.