⏱ 2 min read
Damian Barnett, a 22-year-old felon with a history of attempted carjacking, was caught possessing a loaded pistol in a residential neighborhood in Northeast Washington, DC. On July 14, 2025, police officers on patrol encountered Barnett, who appeared to be smoking a marijuana cigarette. When he spotted the officers, he handed off the cigarette and ran, prompting a chase. During the pursuit, Barnett pulled out a firearm and tossed it into the air. The incident occurred less than a year after Barnett was released from prison for attempted carjacking.
The officers recovered a stolen Glock 19 pistol loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition. Barnett’s prior convictions for two counts of attempted carjacking had prohibited him from possessing a firearm. His actions put law-abiding citizens at risk, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law.
Barnett pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon on November 20, 2025. He was sentenced to 28 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from individuals who disregard the law.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Division. The prosecution highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and ensure public safety in DC.
