Judge finds probable cause for the shooting, according to an officer’s statement

By Alex Garcia Pecina
– October 18, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-lethal shooting | Suspicious | Victim |

D.C. Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann reached probable cause in a shooting case on Oct. 15 after hearing testimony from the officer who arrested the suspect.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an Oct. 11 shooting in the 4500 block of First Street in Southwest.

During the hearing, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who testified that he had been informed of a shooting and tasked with searching for the suspect. While on patrol, he stopped and arrested the defendant, who matched the description the victim had given officers. When he stopped Jones, the officer allegedly found a gun on his right ankle.

According to the officer, the victim told MPD that she and Jones were together and she asked Jones to leave because he was playing music loudly. Jones allegedly began pointing the gun at her before going outside and loitering. The victim went outside and told him to leave, but Jones allegedly fired a shot into the sky. A casing was later found at the scene.

Under cross-examination, Adgie O’Bryant, Jones’ attorney, noted that there was no direct connection between the casing found at the crime scene and the firearm found on Jones’ body. The officer testified that the only connection was the 9mm gun type. The officer also stated that the victim suffered no injuries.

O’Bryant argued that the evidence did not meet probable cause for all charges, but specifically that the evidence did not meet the burden of proof for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge. He argued that officers did not see or hear from the victim having any injuries, so there was no physical injury.

Prosecutors refuted that Jones matched the description the victim gave officers. She also confirmed that the casing found at the scene confirmed the firearms connection, although the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) had to further examine Jones’ weapon.

In addition, the prosecution brought to the court’s attention previous compliance issues while on probation for another crime. According to prosecutors, Jones failed to comply with the conditions within weeks of starting his probation sentence. The prosecutor argued that he could not be released under any circumstances to ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Herrmann ruled that there was probable cause and advised the parties that it was a case of assault when the defendant pointed and brandished his firearm at the victim.

Judge Herrmann ordered Jones to remain in custody, saying there were no conditions that could ensure the safety of the community.

The parties are scheduled to meet again on November 1st.