Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

DC teen arrested after modified machine pistol found in charter school

WASHINGTON, DC – A 19-year-old was arrested after a firearm modified into a machine pistol was discovered at a Northwest charter school earlier this week, police said Friday.

The incident began around 1:01 p.m. Wednesday, when a staff member at the school in the 1700 block of G Street NW noticed a student in possession of a handgun. The staff member secured the weapon before the suspect fled the building, according to investigators.

Detectives later confirmed the firearm had been outfitted with an auto-sear switch, a device that converts a standard semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon.

On Thursday, with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), police arrested 19-year-old James Brewer of Southeast DC. Brewer faces multiple charges, including Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of a Machine Gun, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, and Possession of Unregistered Ammunition.

Authorities emphasized the role of ATF’s Washington Field Division in assisting with the investigation and praised the quick actions of the school staff in securing the firearm before officers arrived.

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Key Points

Staff at a Northwest DC charter school found a student with a firearm Wednesday afternoon
The weapon was modified with an auto-sear switch, converting it into a machine pistol
19-year-old James Brewer of Southeast DC was arrested and faces multiple weapons charges

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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