Lawyers Allege Cover-Up in DC Traffic Stop Shooting by Federal Agent

Lawyers representing Phillip Brown, who was reportedly shot at by a federal agent during a traffic stop, have accused D.C. police of attempting to cover up the incident. The allegations were put forth following a series of events that took place on October 17.

Incident Overview

At approximately 10 p.m., 33-year-old Phillip Brown was driving a Dodge SUV in the 4300 block of Benning Road in Northeast D.C. His vehicle had dark-tinted windows and was missing a front license plate. D.C. police officers in a marked cruiser observed Brown and began to follow him.

Traffic Stop Attempts

The pursuit continued until the officers caught up with Brown near the 4200 block of Benning Road. According to charging documents, Brown switched lanes multiple times as police activated their emergency lights. As the SUV neared stopped traffic, a D.C. police officer alerted federal officers that Brown might attempt to flee.

The Shooting Incident

As the SUV came to a near stop, both a D.C. police officer and a Homeland Security Investigations officer exited their cruiser and ordered Brown to stop. The situation escalated when Brown revved his engine, allegedly advancing toward the officers on foot. Subsequently, Brown struck the rear of another vehicle.

Arrest and Alleged Cover-Up

Brown was subsequently removed from his vehicle and taken into custody. The initial charging documents did not mention that a federal officer had fired a weapon. However, during a preliminary hearing on fleeing charges, Brown’s lawyers claimed a D.C. police officer testified that he was instructed not to include the shooting in the official report.

Evidence and Legal Actions

• Brown’s attorneys released photographs showing two bullet holes in the driver’s side window and one in the driver’s seat.
• D.C. police confirmed that the shooting did occur and announced an ongoing investigation.
• The fleeing charge against Brown was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Requests for Transparency

Brown’s legal team has raised concerns about the lack of transparency. They allege D.C. police are withholding body camera footage and have filed motions for the preservation of all communications regarding the case. They seek access to evidence, including the body camera footage, ballistic items, and the jacket worn by Brown, which had a bullet hole near the collar.

Calls for Reform

Attorney E. Paige White, representing Brown, emphasized the implications of this case. She stated, “The MPD covered up the shooting, leaving it out of the police report and refusing to provide body-worn camera footage.” White also highlighted the need to end the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative, citing concerns about the potential dangers of collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Department and federal agents.

This incident has raised important questions regarding police transparency and accountability. Further updates are anticipated as investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold.