District Man Charged with Assaulting MPD Officer with Intent to Kill Following Knife Attack in Northwest

            WASHINGTON – Ian Andre Zephyrin, 45, of the District of Columbia, has been charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer while armed following an incident that occurred on June 24, 2025, during which Zephyrin allegedly assaulted a police officer with a knife. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Zephyrin was presented today before Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum, who ordered Zephyrin held without bond until a July 7, 2025 preliminary hearing before Judge Rainey Brandt.

            According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, at approximately 8:31 a.m., MPD officers responded to a call regarding a theft in progress at a CVS in Northwest. A CVS employee reported that defendant Ian Zephyrin had allegedly filled a reusable bag with unpaid merchandise and walked past all points of sale, last seen heading northbound towards V Street NW. The CVS employee also reported that Zephyrin allegedly attempted to grab her phone as she was trying to call the police.

            MPD officers later located Zephyrin in the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW. When approached by officers, Zephyrin fled, dropping the allegedly stolen merchandise. Officers pursued Zephyrin and attempted to apprehend him. However, during the apprehension, Zephyrin allegedly pulled out a knife with a black handle and silver blade and swung it multiple times at the MPD officer, striking the officer in the head and causing the officer to bleed profusely. Zephyrin was then apprehended and placed under arrest.

            Court documents say that the injured MPD officer sustained severe injuries to the head, including a three-inch laceration that required 30 stitches.  

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz is prosecuting this case.

            All charges are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.