DOJ will not charge man accused of shooting Guardsman in DC with assaulting law enforcement officer

The Justice Department is not charging a man with assault on a law enforcement officer after he was initially suspected of having wounded a National Guardsman in a shootout this past weekend outside of a Washington, D.C. bar. 

According to the criminal complaint filed Tuesday, Jerrell Lamont Jackson, 41, of the District of Columbia, was charged in connection with the shooting Sunday night with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense. 

However, he was not charged with assault on a law enforcement officer. 

Initial news reports stated the suspect shot a Guardsman who was pursuing him, before he was shot in the abdomen by Guardsmen, then arrested.

However, the 14-page complaint states only that: A member of the National Guard reported that he had been shot in the right leg "following the exchange of gunfire."

The individual who was involved in the fight outside the bar brandished a pistol and began shooting, investigators say. The National Guard members ordered the individual to drop the firearm, and the suspect attempted to flee while firing his pistol toward the National Guard members. 

Three of the National Guard members returned fire, striking the suspect. He was detained, and as a result of the gunfire exchange, according to the complaint.

The guardsman and the suspect received non-life-threatening injuries. 

According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Jacskon is a repeat violent offender who fired into a crowded corridor. 

“The National Guard and our task force partners responded with discipline and courage, restoring order quickly. Their presence is delivering real results: more than 18,000 arrests, nearly 2,200 illegal firearms seized, and 28 missing children safely returned home. The men and women protecting this city are driving violent crime down and taking back our streets one dangerous individual at a time," Pirro said in a statement.