Marcellus Dyson, Jr., a 17-year-old from Suitland, Maryland, is being charged as an adult in connection with the shooting and robbery of an off-duty firefighter in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, D.C. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Dyson faces charges that include armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault while armed. He is expected to make his initial court 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 his belongings by saying: “give me everything you got.” After handing over his cell phone, the firefighter was told to unlock it and provide access to Apple Pay. When he did not respond quickly enough, the suspect pressed the gun into his chest.
A struggle followed when the firefighter grabbed for the weapon. During this altercation, the suspect fired a shot that struck both the firefighter’s chest and injured his own hand. The suspect screamed as both he and the firearm fell to the ground. The man initially fled but returned toward where the firefighter and gun were located; however, the firefighter picked up the weapon first and fired two shots at him before he ran away northbound on 8th Street NE then eastbound on C Street NE.
The injured firefighter used his shirt to try to stop bleeding and attempted to call 911 without success until a neighbor arrived. The neighbor called the firehouse where the victim worked so help could be dispatched quickly. Metropolitan Police officers soon arrived at the scene, followed by Emergency Medical Services medics who transported him to a trauma center for treatment.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on 9th Street NE, a witness heard someone screaming for help and encountered an individual who claimed he had been robbed and shot in the hand. She assisted him toward a hospital until police intervened and detained him. Officers identified this person as Marcellus Dyson, Jr., arrested him for assault with intent to rob, and took him to Howard Hospital for medical attention.
While being transported, Dyson reportedly said: “I’m sorry and I won’t do it again.” This statement was captured on an officer’s body-worn camera.
The case is under investigation by both the Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Washington Field Office and will be prosecuted 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 authorities.
