Ian Zephyrin, a 46-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on nine counts related to an attack on multiple Metropolitan Police Officers that occurred on June 24, according to a Mar. 27 announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case is significant because it involves serious allegations against an individual accused of violently confronting law enforcement officers during the course of their duties. Such incidents raise concerns about officer safety and public security.
Zephyrin faces charges including assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A felony status conference has been scheduled for May 13.
According to government evidence, Zephyrin entered a CVS store at 2009 8th Street NW and filled a reusable bag with merchandise before leaving without paying. The CVS manager reported the theft to police after Zephyrin attempted to take her cellphone as well. When officers located Zephyrin near Florida Avenue NW, he fled and was pursued by police. During the attempted arrest, Zephyrin allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed one officer in the elbow and forehead, causing injuries that required over fifty stitches. He then brandished the knife at another officer before throwing it at a third officer. Authorities report that Zephyrin remains in custody pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Pirro said, “Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” adding: “We stand firmly behind the blue and will not hesitate to act when those sworn to protect our communities are targeted.”
Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined Pirro in announcing the indictment. The investigation is being conducted by MPD and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz.
Authorities remind that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
