Auto Shop Terror: Rashaud Williams Found Guilty of Threats, Assault

A 30-year-old Washington, D.C. man has been found guilty of threatening to shoot people at an auto repair shop, sending shockwaves through the community.

Rashaud Williams, 30, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) and related charges following a trial before the Honorable Errol Arthur, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The jury also found Williams guilty of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and threatening to injure or kidnap a person. The verdict was returned on May 3, 2024. Judge Arthur scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2024. Williams faces a five-year mandatory minimum term of incarceration for these crimes.

According to the government’s evidence, Williams brought his car into a Petworth area auto shop for repairs on August 1, 2023. Later in the day, the shop owner called the defendant’s mother to tell her that the car would not be ready until the next day, after they obtained a needed part. A short time later, Williams went to the auto shop and threatened to “shoot up” the entire establishment. The repairman’s girlfriend was there and tried to calm Williams down. Williams then turned the gun on her and threatened to shoot her, then pointed the gun at the owner before leaving.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Emmanuel Hampton, Erica Rudolf, and Kathryn Bartz.

Williams’ actions were a brazen display of violence and intimidation, leaving the community shaken. The guilty verdict is a testament to the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors in bringing this case to justice. As Williams awaits sentencing, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this menace is off the streets.

Rashaud Williams will face serious consequences for his actions, including a mandatory minimum five-year term of incarceration. The community can rest assured that those who commit such heinous crimes will be held accountable.