Maryland Man Found Guilty Of Felony Charges In Shooting Outside Northwest Washington Night ClubDefendant Fired Nine Shots At Victim, Who Tried To Run Away

     WASHINGTON – Jonathan Blades, 30, of Suitland, Md., was found guilty by a jury today of assault with intent to kill while armed and other offenses stemming from a shooting outside a night club in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     The verdict was returned following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the charge of assault with intent to kill while armed, Blades was found guilty of aggravated assault while armed and three related firearms offenses. The Honorable Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2015.

     According to the government’s evidence, on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at about 3 a.m., Blades and the victim engaged in a physical altercation after leaving a night club at 20th and K Streets NW. After the fight had stopped, Blades went to his car and retrieved a 40-caliber semi-automatic handgun. Then, as the victim ran from Blades, Blades shot nine times. The gunfire hit the victim, sending a bullet through his back and shoulder.  The victim fled to a gas station several blocks away, at 22d and M Streets NW, where a citizen offered him first aid. He was hospitalized for his injuries.

     Blades was arrested on Feb. 5, 2014.

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen expressed his appreciation to the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Prince George’s County, Md. for their work on the case. He also acknowledged the work of Paralegal Specialist Allison Gregory Daniels, Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim, and Litigation TechnologySpecialist Leif Hickling, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Sroka and Christopher Macchiaroli, who tried the case.