DC Man Suspected Of Shooting 3 Officers Faced Eviction After Dog Bite

WASHINGTON, DC — A Southeast D.C. man who authorities said shot three police officers in an hours-long standoff Wednesday was facing eviction after one of his dogs bit a 2-year-old girl. He may also face animal cruelty charges, according to officials and a report.

The standoff started Wednesday morning as officers attempted to arrest 46-year-old Julius James on an animal cruelty warrant, but James refused to leave the home, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said. As officers tried to get inside, authorities said James opened fire.

James continued to fire from the barricaded residence in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast sporadically throughout the day, WTOP reported.

• RELATED: 4 DC Police Officers Wounded, Armed Standoff Ends After 13 Hours

Hours after the standoff began, James was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals. He is expected to face additional charges related to the shooting.

Court documents obtained by WJLA showed that in addition to animal cruelty accusations, James was also facing eviction from his home.

Court documents filed by James' landlord in April 2023 claimed James had two pit bulls that attacked a 2-year-old and her guardian, WJLA reported. According to the report, investigators found 31 dogs inside the residence.

By January 2024, James' landlord filed grounds for eviction, WJLA reported, citing James’ failure to remove the dogs from the home.

One officer was struck by gunfire twice at the house, but the rounds were stopped by a bulletproof vest, said Gregg Pemberton, chairman of the Washington, D.C., police union. Two more officers were struck in their lower legs. The fourth officer suffered hand injuries at the scene, he said.

“We expect some may have a lengthy recovery, but hopefully they'll be back on the streets again soon,” Pemberton said.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden is praying the officers make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns.

“This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” she said.

Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst, Darlene Superville and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.