WASHINGTON, D.C. — Frederick Powell, 29, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury of multiple charges including unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), carrying a pistol without a license, and felony fleeing from law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith announced the verdict, which was returned on April 30, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
The sequence of events leading to Powell’s arrest began on September 15, 2023, when he was seen driving an unregistered vehicle at high speed through the H-Street corridor, endangering pedestrians and other drivers by running red lights and stop signs. The police pursuit ended when Powell discreetly entered the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission building and attempted to hide a loaded .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.
This incident was captured by the building’s surveillance system, providing crucial evidence for the trial. Powell, who had prior convictions for robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm, now faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2024, by The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld.