WASHINGTON, DC — A domestic disturbance call escalated into an early-morning standoff Saturday on Newton Place NW, ending with an officer firing a shot and a woman taken into custody without injury.
At around 2:20 a.m., Fourth District officers responded to a reported disturbance inside a residence on the 600 block of Newton Place. While officers attempted to deescalate the situation, a woman inside allegedly drew a firearm. Officers issued repeated verbal commands for her to drop the weapon.
The suspect did not comply, prompting one officer to discharge their service weapon. The shot did not strike the suspect, who then reportedly threatened to harm herself and advanced toward officers while still armed.
Officers attempted to subdue her with an electric controlling device, which was ineffective. She was eventually restrained and arrested without further incident. The firearm was recovered on the scene.
Suspect faces multiple charges after standoff
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Nashell Sowells of Northwest DC, was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance, and destruction of property.
No injuries occurred during the encounter. Per department policy, the officer who discharged their weapon has been placed on administrative leave.
The officer-involved shooting is under review by MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau’s Force Investigations Team, and the United States Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the case.
Body-worn camera footage of the incident will be handled in accordance with District of Columbia law
