Trial Postponed for Motions Hearing in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Sonia Vazquez - June 26, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

What was scheduled to be a jury trial became a motions hearing, as the defense filed a requests for delay and to suppress evidence in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 25.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 29, 2023, on the 5000 block of Foote Street, NE. The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening. 

Tyree’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asked for the trial to be delayed until July 22 because the defense’s DNA expert testimony was not ready. Judge Arthur granted the continuance.

Kopecki also submitted two motions to suppress evidence against the defendant, arguing that the evidence is not directly related to the crime. 

The prosecution opposed the motions and called the first witness, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. The officer specifically recalled the events of Tyree’s arrest. 

The officer stated that, when patrolling the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE, he spotted Tyree with his right hand about to reach in front of him. This led the officer’s “spidey” senses to lead him to make contact. 

The witness along with other officers were in pursuit once Tyree started running. After placing Tyree in handcuffs, they allegedly recovered a handgun and suspected phencyclidine (PCP) from him.

Judge Arthur delayed ruling on the motions to give the defense an opportunity to cross-examine the witness at the next hearing.

 Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.