Felon Charged with Possession of Stolen Firearm and Oxycodone Following U Street Arrest

WASHINGTON – Don Diego Chase, 25, of the District has been indicted on federal firearms and drug charges as part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

            Chase is charged in a three-count indictment unsealed in federal court with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone, and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

            According to court documents, on July 24, 2024, officers from the Third District Crime Suppression Unit were patrolling the U Street Corridor when they encountered an individual, later identified as Chase. When officers attempted to engage Chase, Chase fled on foot, leading to a brief pursuit. It is alleged that during the pursuit, officers observed a black, L-shaped object fall from Chase.  The object was recovered and subsequently confirmed to be a 9mm HS Product (imported by Springfield Armory) XDM firearm, which had been reported stolen out of Atlanta, Georgia.  At the time of Chase’s arrest, the firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and fifteen additional rounds in a large-capacity magazine.

            A search incident to arrest revealed that Chase was also carrying over 500 Oxycodone pills and $11,621.96 in U.S. currency.   

            Officers determined that Chase did not have a license to carry a firearm in the District of Columbia and that Chase had prior convictions which prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.  Authorities also discovered that Chase had several outstanding arrest warrants for carjacking and armed robbery.

            This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti. 

            An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.