Woman cracked with pistol before suspect opens fire in dc

Woman cracked with pistol before suspect opens fire in DC

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1 min read
January 30, 2026

Woman arrested after gunfire erupts on 8th Street following late-night altercation

WASHINGTON, DC — A late-night confrontation inside a Southeast DC establishment turned violent when a woman allegedly pistol-whipped another woman before firing a shot outside, police said.

The incident happened just after midnight on Sunday, December 28 on the 400 block of 8th Street SE. Investigators say the suspect and victim got into an argument inside a venue when security intervened to defuse the situation. But the violence escalated once the victim left the establishment.

That’s when the suspect reportedly approached her again, struck her in the face with a handgun, then walked a short distance away and discharged the weapon, damaging nearby property before fleeing the scene.

Following a weeks-long investigation, Ashleigh Hale, 35, of Southeast DC, was arrested Wednesday on an arrest warrant issued by the DC Superior Court. She is charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

No injuries from the gunfire were reported, though the shooting caused damage to property in the area. The nature of the dispute between the two women has not been disclosed.

The arrest brings closure to a case that rattled the typically busy stretch of 8th Street near Barracks Row, a popular corridor of bars, restaurants, and shops.

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.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

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

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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