WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Thursday that police in the nation’s capital illegally seized a gun from a man they stopped outside a laundromat, blasting the officers’ account as unreliable and sharply criticizing Justice Department prosecutors for relying on testimony from an officer who has been discredited by other judges. The ruling comes at a moment when policing in Washington, D.C., is under extraordinary scrutiny, with the city grappling with rising public scrutiny of officer misconduct. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes’ decision goes beyond the particulars of the May arrest. She chided prosecutors for putting on the stand an officer whose credibility has been questioned by at least two other judges. The case raises fresh questions about how federal authorities vet the officers they rely on – especially as Washington has become a test case for national debates over crime, enforcement, and public trust. Reyes said she is 'extremely disappointed' that prosecutors from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office decided to elicit testimony from Metropolitan Police Department Investigator Harvy Hinostroza during a pretrial hearing for its case against Deandre Davis. Reyes made it clear that the courts cannot tolerate police officers falsely testifying under oath, stating, 'It also undermines the public’s confidence in our system of justice.' Reyes barred prosecutors from using the seized gun as evidence against Davis, who was arrested on firearms charges after officers approached him outside a laundromat in Washington, D.C., on May 19. The judge indicated that she would entertain a defense motion to dismiss the charges against Davis if Pirro’s office doesn’t withdraw the case within the next 30 days. Reyes expressed disbelief in key portions of Hinostroza’s testimony during a pretrial hearing for Davis’ case, noting that he has been dishonest about major issues in the past. This case underscores the ongoing challenges and concerns regarding police credibility and the treatment of individuals within the justice system.
Federal Judge Critiques D.C. Police Conduct in Gun Seizure Case
A D.C. federal judge has ruled that police unlawfully seized a firearm from Deandre Davis and criticized the prosecution for relying on a discredited officer's testimony, raising concerns about accountability in law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has ruled that D.C. police illegally seized a firearm from Deandre Davis during a stop outside a laundromat, calling the prosecution's reliance on discredited testimony 'unacceptable.' This decision highlights ongoing issues with police accountability amid increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices in Washington.
