National Guardsman Zion Mitchell Charged in D.C. Gun Incident, Facing Up to 25 Years
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 8
National Guardsman Zion Mitchell Charged in D.C. Gun Incident, Facing Up to 25 Years
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 8
Summary
Zion Mitchell, 21, was charged in Washington with felony assault and a gun count after prosecutors said he pointed his service weapon at a fellow National Guard soldier during a patrol last month.
A criminal complaint says the confrontation began with an argument over hairstyles and Army grooming rules on a commercial strip in Northeast Washington; Mitchell first denied drawing the gun, then said he pointed it downward toward her.
The two charges—assault with a dangerous weapon and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence—carry up to 10 years and 15 years respectively, with the firearm count requiring a 5-year mandatory minimum.
Mitchell was denied bond and remains in the D.C. jail, while prosecutors and the Guard did not explain why the case is proceeding in civilian court rather than the military justice system that often handles serious crimes by service members.