Suspect in Shooting After Nightclub Argument Gets Trial Date

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

In a hearing before DC Superior Judge Sean Staples on Dec. 20, shooting defendant Vann Allen, 25, received a trial date after earlier rejecting a plea offer. 

Allen is charged with aggravated assault while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident near the Throw Social club on the 1400 block of Oakie Street, NE on Nov. 11.  One man was seriously wounded from a bullet to the abdomen, and he was taken to Medstar Washington Hospital Center for treatment.

According to a report from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the victim and his brother had just left the club when a physical argument broke out between the victim’s ex-girlfriend and a woman accompanying the victim.   As the victim and his brother were walking away toward a parking garage, they were allegedly confronted by Allen who witnessed the fight.

In the police account, the victim called Allen a “bitch ass” and the pair exchanged words.  That’s when Allen stepped back, pulled out a gun and allegedly fired one round striking the victim. 

Witnesses flagged down responding officers and they arrested Allen for allegedly carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm.

During their investigation police recovered a Glock 23 handgun.

While details of the rejected plea offer were not disclosed, Allen’s attorney Michelle Lockard texted D.C. Witness the proposal was rejected prior to the defendant’s preliminary hearing on Nov. 14.  The US Attorney’s Office doesn’t confirm plea deals until they are formally accepted.  

Meanwhile, Judge Staples set a trial date for the case of March 5, 2024