In Washington, DC, a suspect, identified as 46-year-old Julius James, who was accused of shooting three officers from the Metropolitan Police Department while they were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for animal cruelty, surrendered after an hourslong standoff.
The suspect faced charges of cruelty to animals, with additional charges related to the officers’ shooting pending, according to a news release from the police department.
The incident unfolded when officers from the criminal apprehension unit and the Humane Rescue Alliance responded to a residence in the southeast part of the city to execute an arrest warrant for animal cruelty.
DC Officers (Credits: The Washington Post)
While the police were outside the home, the suspect fired multiple shots through the door, injuring three officers. All three officers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were reported to be stable and expected to recover.
A fourth officer sustained injuries, but they were not gunshot-related. During the standoff, the suspect continued to fire shots sporadically throughout the day. Police engaged in negotiations, and the suspect eventually surrendered Wednesday night.
Residents in the immediate area were evacuated from their homes during the standoff, and police blocked off several streets, urging the public to stay away from the scene. Nearly a dozen pit bulls were found inside the suspect’s home.
The Humane Rescue Alliance, acknowledging the incident, expressed its thoughts for the recovery of the injured officers and stated that it could not fulfill its mission without the support of law enforcement.
The shooting occurred amid a rise in violent crime in Washington, DC, with notable increases in homicides, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023.
Police data indicated a 35% increase in homicides, a 67% increase in robberies, and an 82% increase in motor vehicle thefts during this period. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith emphasized the dedication of officers and attributed the rise in crime to a group of individuals who do not respect law enforcement and authority.
