Ian Zephyrin, a 46-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on nine counts connected to an attack on multiple Metropolitan Police Department officers that occurred on June 24, 2025, according to a Mar. 27 announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The indictment includes charges such as assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. A felony status conference is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
"Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "We stand firmly behind the blue and will not hesitate to act when those sworn to protect our communities are targeted."
According to government evidence outlined in the announcement, Zephyrin entered a CVS store at 2009 8th Street NW and filled a reusable bag with merchandise before leaving without paying. He also attempted to take the store manager's cellphone before exiting toward V Street NW. The manager contacted police after witnessing the theft.
Police located Zephyrin in the area of Florida Avenue NW and attempted to detain him following a brief foot chase. During the encounter, authorities say Zephyrin pulled out a knife and stabbed one officer in the elbow and forehead; the officer required more than fifty stitches for his injuries. Zephyrin then allegedly brandished the knife at another responding officer before throwing it at a third officer. He remains in custody pending trial.
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined Pirro in announcing these developments. The case is being investigated by MPD and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz.
Officials remind that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
