Marcellus Dyson, Jr., a 17-year-old from Suitland, Maryland, will be charged as an adult in connection with the shooting and robbery of an off-duty firefighter in Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Dyson faces charges including armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault while armed. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith joined Pirro in announcing the charges.
According to court documents, the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when the off-duty firefighter was walking home from a party near 8th and C Streets NE. A male wearing a surgical mask approached him, displayed a gun, and demanded: “give me everything you got.” After the firefighter handed over his cell phone, the suspect further demanded that he unlock it and provide access to Apple Pay. When the firefighter did not comply immediately, the suspect pressed the gun into his chest.
A struggle ensued when the firefighter grabbed for the weapon. During the altercation, the suspect fired into the firefighter’s chest; both individuals were injured—the bullet also struck Dyson’s hand. The suspect screamed as both he and the firearm fell to the ground. The suspect attempted to flee but returned toward where the gun had fallen; however, the firefighter retrieved it first and fired two shots at Dyson before he fled northbound on 8th Street NE and then eastbound on C Street NE.
The wounded firefighter removed his shirt to slow bleeding and tried calling 911 without success until a neighbor arrived to assist. The neighbor used contact information provided by the victim to reach someone at his firehouse for help. Metropolitan Police officers responded quickly, followed by Emergency Medical Services who transported him to a trauma center.
Separately, on 9th Street NE, a witness reported hearing screams for help before encountering an individual claiming he had been robbed and shot in the hand. She assisted him toward a hospital until police detained them both. Officers identified Dyson as the individual involved; he was arrested for assault with intent to rob and taken to Howard Hospital.
While being transported for medical treatment, Dyson allegedly stated: “I’m sorry and I won’t do it again.” This remark was captured on an officer’s body-worn camera.
The case is under investigation by both Metropolitan Police Department detectives and FBI agents from Washington Field Office, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
“These charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” according to officials.
