Timothy Clark, a 30-year-old resident of the District, has been indicted for federal firearms violations following his arrest during a traffic stop. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The case against Clark arises from the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative, designed to curb violent crime and prioritize federal firearms violations in the District of Columbia. This effort advocates for stringent penalties and seeks detention for those contravening firearms laws. Clark has been charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, as stated in an indictment made public in federal court.
On May 10, 2024, court documents indicate Clark was apprehended following a traffic stop on Constitution Avenue. A United States Capitol Police officer conducting routine patrols noted a vehicle with a possibly expired temporary registration. Further checks showed no record of the vehicle or registration. During the stop, Clark reportedly failed to provide a valid license or registration.
Further records reveal Clark's arrest for possessing no permit and allegedly using counterfeit tags. Subsequent checks revealed outstanding warrants in Queen Anne's County and a Failure to Appear warrant in D.C. Officers also discovered a black backpack containing a handgun and ammunition within the vehicle.
Clark's prior felony convictions in Superior Court and Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, Maryland, legally bar him from firearm possession. The ATF Washington Field Office and MPD are handling the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Tortorice prosecuting.
It is essential to note that an indictment is an allegation, and all parties involved are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court.
