Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Shooting on H Street, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect who is believed to be involved in a shooting on the 5000 block of H Street, SE.

According to a press release, officers found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds on May 2. The victims were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested on an assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

The case is still under investigation.

Anyone who has knowledge of the incident should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text Department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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Judge Continues Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a preliminary hearing for two defendants charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed with a firearm.

On May 9, Keon Smith and Ja’cori Williams allegedly stole a dog and asked its owner to pay them $500 before they could return the dog. When the owner only provided $200, the two defendants pointed a gun at him and took his black Chevy Malibu. Surveillance footage showed them abandoning the vehicle at the intersection of Gainesville Street and Elvans Road, SE while being pursued by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.

Defense attorney Leo Alley said the victim was giving conflicting statements to the MPD.

Alley screened body camera footage showing an officer accusing the victim of lying about the time of day he initially reached out to the MPD about his dog being taken. The officer was heard saying “that’s a lie” to the complainant throughout the clip.

Alley also said the detective, who the prosecution called upon to testify, said he could not confirm Williams was among the two suspects involved in the case. Footage of the detective interviewing the victim did not show him and the victim mentioning a person that fit Williams’ description.

The detective said he could not identify Williams from a surveillance video that allegedly showed the two men abandoning the complainant’s vehicle. The detective said the video was too blurry.

A judge, who was presiding over the case on behalf of Judge Erik Christian, asked the defense to save their arguments for the next day.

The hearing is scheduled to continue on July 23.

Document: Homicide in Petworth

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide in the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest, DC.

According to a press release, officers found 30 year-old Nurudeen Thomas, a resident of Greenbelt, Md., suffering from a gunshot wound on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of this case or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-797-9099. Anonymous information can also be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Crime Alerts: July 21

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out four crime alerts on July 21.

The most recent crime alert was sent at 9:55 p.m. for a robbery with a gun crime on the 1300 block of Kenyon Street, NW. Police are looking for two black male juveniles driving a silver Dodge avenger with DC tags.

Another alert was sent at 8:36 p.m. for an armed carjacking that occurred at 8:01 p.m. on the 7400 block of 7th Street, NW. Police are looking for a black male wearing a white tank top with black pants. The suspect is also wearing a black mask and is armed with a gun. He was last seen driving a black in color Ford F150 bearing MD Tags — 6EA5101.

Six minutes before an alert was sent for a shooting on the 200 block of N Street, SW. Police are looking for two black males. The first suspect is wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans. The second suspect has dreadlocks and is wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.

At 3:38 p.m. police alerted the public of a stabbing on the 1400 block of W Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

If anyone has information about these crimes, please call 911.

Document: Police Arrest Suspects in Connection with 19 Robbery Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that an arrest has been made in connection to several robbery offenses that occurred between June 23 and July 19.

A 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested in connection with the crimes on July 19. Two other juvenile males were also arrested for armed robbery and attempting to commit robbery on July 4.

The string of crimes began on June 23. The suspect allegedly committed second degree-theft on the 1300 block of Farragut Street, NW. A week later, the suspect allegedly entered a location on 300 block of Varnum Street, NW in the middle of the night.

In the early morning hours of July 1, the suspect allegedly took part in unlawful entry and second-degree theft again.

The suspect was also arrested for armed robbery and attempted robbery for incidents that occurred on July 4 on the 1800 block of 14th Street, NW and the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW, respectively. Two juvenile males, 15 and 14, were arrested in connection with the crimes on July 7.

On July 6, the suspect allegedly used force and violence in a robbery on the 2600 block of 16th Street, NW at 5:20 a.m.

Then, on July 11, the suspect participated in an armed robbery on the 3400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW at 2:55 a.m. On July 14, the suspect allegedly used a vehicle without authorization on the 600 block of Fairmont Street, NW.

The suspect also allegedly partook in two armed robberies with a knife and another using force and violence between 5:39 a.m. and 6:39 a.m. on July 15.

On July 18, the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and committed armed robbery using a knife. Both of these crimes occurred around 3:36 a.m. on the 1600 block of 6th Street, NW.

On July 19 at the same time, the suspect allegedly committed robbery while armed with a gun.

He is also charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and simple assault for events on the 1100 block of Wahler Place, SE.

Finally, on July 19, between 11:00 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., the suspect allegedly assaulted a victim with the intent to commit robbery and then allegedly committed another robbery, stealing a vehicle while using force and violence.

The suspect was also charged with robbery while armed with a gun, force and violence and assault for his alleged connection to criminal activities on July 19.

The case is still under investigation.

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Judge Reschedules Hearing for Bail Violation

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a preliminary hearing for a defendant charged with a bail violation.

Robert Smith, who is also known as Jamal Jerome Smith, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Smith was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 24, 2019, for his jury trial. However, he did not show up, which resulted in his bail violation charge.

A plea deal for the violation is being offered to the defense.

Defense attorney Bruce Cooper asked Judge Ronna Beck to reschedule the hearing so he could have more time to discuss the deal with his client.

Judge Beck permitted the request, rescheduling the hearing for Aug. 5.

The defendant’s presence was waived for the July 21 hearing. Cooper asked for his client to be present for the next hearing so that his decision regarding the plea deal would be on the record.

Judge Resumes Drug Testing for Murder Defendant

On July 21, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ordered a murder defendant to resume his weekly drug testing as a condition of his pretrial release.

Tylek Dunkins is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Amoni Richardson, who was killed on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Oct. 24, 2019.

Dunkins, 18, must now be tested for a number of substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.

He tested positive for marijuana on four different occasions since Oct. 25 prior to the suspension of drug testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has not been tested since March 9.

Defense attorney Joseph Wong said his client was confused by the positive results, which were a result of second-hand smoking.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer said information about the levels of marijuana present in the defendant is not available.

Dunkins also had issues with reporting to the PSA via phone. He failed to report on June 6, 13, and 20. However, he has resumed contact since them.

On Oct. 24, 2019, Dunkins allegedly drove his vehicle into a woman he did not see at a high rate of speed. After the collision, he did not stop due to fear and uncertainty about what to do. In an interview with a detective, the defendant said he smoked marijuana and was driving towards a school when the incident occurred, according to court documents.

Judge Holds Simple Assault Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant from DC Jail on July 21.

The defendant was brought before the court in four domestic violence cases. He is charged with simple assault and contempt for violating the terms of his release.

The defendant allegedly violated pretrial release conditions by repeatedly harassing and assaulting a woman with whom he had children, despite receiving stay away and home confinement orders.

Defense attorney Everald Thompson said his client had been living harmoniously with the victim for seven years until his recent incidents.

He said the defendant became unstable because he “was in the middle of physical recuperation” after being shot in 2015 and having chronic pain ever since.

Thompson also said the defendant had a job at a retail store and his manager misses him.

When asked where the defendant would live should he be released, Thompson said he would be living with his cousin. However, it seems as though the cousin may have withdrawn the offer.

The prosecution objected to the defendant’s release, saying the victim was known to have called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on him multiple times, suggesting they were not on good terms.

The prosecutor also said the defendant told the victim he would not abide by any court orders.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan sided with the prosecution, saying that the defendant posed a danger to his victim and the community.

Taylor is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 25.

Judge Issues Bench Warrants for 2 Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge issued two bench warrants for defendants who failed to appear at their July 21 hearings.

Athena Powell-Bey is charged with simple assault for allegedly spitting on and hitting an employee on the 300 block of 7th Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2019.

Defense attorney Peter Odom said he has been unable to contact the homeless defendant by email or phone since March 6.

Odom opposed a bench warrant, saying he would not like to see his client, who has mental health issues, arrested.

Judge Danya Dayson understood Odom’s concern, but did not think there was any other way to get in contact with the defendant.

Anthony Wall pleaded guilty to second-degree theft for stealing food from a Whole Foods Market on the 600 block of H Street, NE on Oct. 26.

An officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said the defendant failed to seek and accept psychiatric treatment, as required by his probation.

Wall has not contacted CSOSA since July 8, even though he is supposed to call twice a week.

Defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste opposed the bench warrant since she was unable to contact her client to inform him of the hearing. She said she only had a few days to try and reach the defendant because it was an emergency hearing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in One Case, Judge Revokes Probation in Two Others

A defendant pleaded guilty in one case and had his probation revoked in two others.

During the July 21 hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault for hitting his mother in the chest.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan gave the defendant a suspended sentence of 150 days plus one year of probation.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must take a mental health assessment, drug and alcohol testing and pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

As part of the plea deal, a simple assault case from January was dismissed.

The hearing also addressed noncompliance issues Hoffman had with his probation in two separate cases. In one case, he was convicted of simple assault. In the other, he is charged with simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000.

Both cases required Hoffman to serve one year of supervised probation.

Even though a probation officer said Hoffman has not been complying with the terms of his probation, the judge still terminated the probation in the two other cases during the hearing on July 21.

Hoffman is scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 2.

Judge Denies Releasing Defendant Despite Health Concerns

A DC Superior Court judge denied releasing a defendant who is concerned about his health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dexter Brown was brought before the court in two cases on July 21. He is charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree theft, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving and possessing a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Judge Neal Kravitz ruled against the release, citing the strong evidence against Brown, the violent nature of the crime and the lack of current COVID-19 cases at the DC Jail.

Brown is accused of robbing an unlicensed marijuana dispensary on the 500 block of H Street, NE at gunpoint in February of 2019, zip-tying the employees in the process.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy unsuccessfully argued for his client’s release during the July 21 hearing, saying DC Jail provides an unsafe environment for Brown, who has a lengthy medical history and previously contracted the coronavirus.

Murphy also pointed out Brown’s successful completion of probation in the past, saying if his client was released, he would comply with any terms.

He has been detained at DC Jail since Oct. 5, 2019.

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to one year on supervised probation.

Jamie Bryant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance during release, a bail violation, second-degree burglary and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

“I sincerely apologize for having issues with pretrial services and the court order,” said Bryant. “Now that I have necessary mental health medication, I hope you understand that I have an appreciation for the time that I’ve served.”

Judge Ronna Beck suspended Bryant’s jail sentence for all charges and gave him credit for time served. She said Bryant has been a “plague to society” and must avoid any future arrests or he will be incarcerated for the time she suspended.

“I really do want you to succeed on probation,” said Judge Beck.

Bryant’s probation conditions include participating in a mental health screening, substance abuse assessment, an employment assistance program, a vocational assessment and housing assistance.

According to a court document, Bryant was arrested for distribution of crack cocaine during an undercover operation on Feb. 4 at the intersection of North Capitol Street and O Street, NW. The judge released Bryant on personal recognizance, ordering him to stay away from the location of the crime.

Bryant failed to appear for a hearing on March 11. A bench warrant was issued, and he was charged with a bail violation.

He was arrested on March 18 for unlawful entry of a motor vehicle when he was found searching through the trunk of another person’s car. The defendant was released on March 19 with conditions.

Less than two weeks later, Bryant was arrested for second-degree burglary for an incident that occurred at a construction site on the 1000 block of 21st Street, NW.

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann decided to hold Bryant at DC Jail.

Judge Reschedules Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge rescheduled hearing for a domestic violence case.

The defendant is charged with second-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon. He has been held in DC Jail since April 30. This is the second time that Williams’s hearing has been rescheduled.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie requested that the hearing be rescheduled due to “difficulties to contact [the defendant] at the jail.”

The defendant said he was confused because he recently spoke with his attorney and signed several documents. Judge Ronna Beck permitted Williams and Ogilvie to have a private phone call during the hearing to discuss how to proceed.

The defendant returned to the hearing in agreement with his attorney.

Judge Beck rescheduled the hearing for July 30.

Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

On July 21, a defendant entered into a deferred prosecution agreement.

Debra Lambert pleaded guilty to simple assault for striking a victim on Dec. 19, 2019, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

Lambert must complete 32 hours of community service within the four month-long deferment period. The agreement also states that she cannot receive any new charges.

Lambert is also ordered not to harass, assault, stalk or threaten (HATS) the victim.

Judge William Nooter explained to Lambert that, if she complies with the requirements during the deferment period, her guilty plea will be withdrawn and the prosecution will dismiss the case.

Lambert will return to court on Nov. 20 to discuss her compliance.

Judge Holds Defendant Charged With Unlawful Entry

On July 21, a DC Superior Court judge denied a release request from a defendant charged with unlawful entry.

Alexander Day is charged with contempt in two separate cases for violating the conditions of his pretrial release.

Defense attorney Ravi Regunathan asked that his client be released, as he is able to seek mental health treatment with Community Connections, a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health, residential services, and primary health care coordination for marginalized and disenfranchised DC residents.

Regunathan suggested that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) escort him to his parents’ home where he can get some money to arrive at a homeless shelter.

“The last time he got let out [of jail], he had no money, no ability to go anywhere, no way to charge his phone, ” said Regunathan. “So he let go of the last hearing, and ended up getting arrested.”

The prosecution objected, saying they confirmed there were no beds left at the shelter the defense mentioned, and it would take up to a month to secure another bed.

The prosecutor also said the current hearing was only to determine whether Day is competent to stand trial so that arguments regarding his release were not relevant.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed, saying the defense ought to make their arguments during a detention hearing.

The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) determined that Day was competent to stand trial after conducting a forensic psychiatric evaluation on July 15.

Day is scheduled for a detention hearing on Aug. 6.

2020 DVM 000725

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