Felon Indicted on Gun Charge After Allegedly Discarding Loaded Firearm Near U Street

            WASHINGTON – Raymond Davon Benson, 32, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on a federal firearm charge 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.

            Benson was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

            According to court documents, on March 29, 2025, MPD officers observed defendant Benson walking eastbound on U Street NW.  The officers witnessed Benson holding a red solo cup, known to be frequently used for consuming alcohol in the U Street corridor.    

            Upon observing the police presence, defendant Benson allegedly dumped amber liquid from the cup and tossed it to the ground. As officers approached to investigate a potential open container of alcohol violation, Benson reportedly fled the scene, running down sidewalks and into an alley. As he fled in the alley, Benson was allegedly observed throwing a firearm before continuing his flight. Benson was apprehended a short time later. Officers recovered a Cobray M-11 firearm with a high-capacity magazine and approximately 30 rounds of ammunition from the location where Benson allegedly tossed the firearm.

            Benson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction in Superior Court for the District of Columbia. 

        This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Strong. 

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