Indictment Returned Against D.C. Man Who Assaulted Police Officers

WASHINGTON - Ian Zephyrin, 46, of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on charges related to an attack on multiple Metropolitan Police Officers which occurred on June 24, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Zephyrin was indicted on nine counts, including one count assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A felony status conference is set for May 13, 2026.

"Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "We stand firmly behind the blue and will not hesitate to act when those sworn to protect our communities are targeted."

According to the government's evidence, on June 24, 2025, Zephyrin entered a CVS store located at 2009 8th Street NW and began to fill a reusable bag with merchandise. Zephyrin took the bag, walked past all points of sale with the unpaid merchandise and left the store heading towards V Street NW. Before leaving, the defendant attempted to take the CVS manager's cellphone from her hand. When the defendant left, the CVS manager contacted the Metropolitan Police Department to report the theft of the merchandise.

After leaving the CVS, the defendant headed to the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW, when an MPD officers spotted the defendant and attempted to make contact with him. However, the defendant fled from officers, leading them on a brief foot chase. As officers attempted to detain the defendant, Zephyrin he pulled out a knife from his person and stabbed at one of the officers, striking him in the elbow and the forehead. The Officer suffered a large laceration to his forehead, requiring over 50 stitches. The defendant then brandished the knife at another officer who arrived later on scene before throwing the knife at a third officer. The defendant remains in custody pending trial.

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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