The victim of a non-fatal shooting and his brother testified before DC Superior Court Judge Ryan on July 3.
Vann Allen, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on 1400 block of New York Ave NE on Nov. 11, 2023.
The victim continued his testimony from July 1, describing the night of the incident. He stated that he was at Throw Social bar and entertainment venue with his brothers, cousins and other friends to celebrate a birthday.
He said, “I wouldn’t say I was drunk but I was feeling good.”
While in the club, the victim stated that he did not see the shooter or interact with him at all. He additionally stated that he did not know the shooter prior to the incident..
The prosecution also called the victim’s brother who testified that on the night of the incident he recognized the victim’s ex-girlfriend at the night club. However they did not interact. He stated that she looked familiar and he was certain he had seen her on prior occasions but was not sure of the extent of the relationship with the victim.
Leaving the club, the witness stated he noticed the victim’s ex-girlfriend outside with some friends. Shortly after, a fight broke out between the victim’s ex-girlfriend and then-girlfriend. The victim testified he attempted to intervene and break up the fight.
Shortly after, according to the witness, the victim got upset and the witness had to hold him back. They attempted to walk away but the victim and ex-girlfriend were still arguing. The victim’s brother noticed someone standing adjacent to the fight but did not recognize him.
The victim’s brother denied seeing the victim approach the shooter directly. He testified that his brother was upset after the fight, but was not yelling, and asked the shooter why he was there.
The witness allegedly saw the suspect shoot his brother and then walk away. He stated that he did not see a gun, but he was aware that his brother was shot.
In an attempt to ensure the suspect was caught, the victim’s brother followed him and recorded the pursuit on his phone. He followed the suspect to an apartment building on New York Avenue where the suspect entered a stairwell.
According to the witness, he flagged down a police cruiser nearby and reported that his brother had been shot. He also showed police the video footage he had taken.
The prosecution also called the responding MPD patrol officer who discovered a suspect firearm. The officer testified he was approached by an individual who informed him that his brother had been shot. The individual then pointed to the building where the shooter fled.
The officer downloaded a photo of the alleged shooter from the victim’s brother’s phone, and called for assistance before entering the building’s stairwell where he located a firearm sitting on top of a ledge. The defendant was arrested minutes later.
The prosecution showed the gun to the officer, who confirmed, “it looks like the gun I saw on the ledge.”
In cross examination, the officer testified that the individual who had initially approached him never claimed he was a target. The officer also indicated that the defendant did not appear to be under the influence of any substances.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 3.
