D.C. Man Charged with Aggravated Assault while Armed

            WASHINGTON – Michael Owusu-Sakyi, 47, of Washington, D.C., was charged today in Superior Court with aggravated assault while armed for shooting a woman on April 5, 2024, in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. The defendant is held pending a preliminary hearing on Friday.

            According to court documents, the victim was in the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue SE when Owusu-Sakyi approached her from behind and shot her once in the arm. After shooting the victim, the defendant said that he thought she was someone else, and told her to call 911 before he fled the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital to treat her gunshot wound. Police subsequently obtained a warrant for Owusu-Sakyi’s arrest.

            These charges were brought as a result of the D.C. Council’s Secure DC Omnibus Emergency Amendment Act of 2024, that went into effect last month. The change in the law recognizes all gunshot wounds as serious bodily injury.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Roberts.

             Charges are merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.