A routine shoplifting call in Shaw turned ugly fast, and now a Washington man is facing a grand jury indictment after what prosecutors describe as a knife attack on Metropolitan Police officers during an arrest last summer.
The case traces back to June 24, 2025, when an alleged theft at a CVS in Northwest reportedly spiraled into a brief foot chase through the neighborhood and a wounded officer.
Indictment and court schedule
Ian Zephyrin, 46, was indicted March 27, 2026, on nine counts, including assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, according to DC News Now. A felony status conference is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
How the arrest unfolded
MPD officers were called to a reported theft at a store on the 2000 block of 8th Street NW, then later spotted the suspected shoplifter on the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW. As officers tried to stop him, the suspect allegedly pulled a knife and cut an officer’s forehead before officers took him into custody, according to WTOP.
Prosecutors' account and injuries
Prosecutors say Zephyrin walked into the CVS at 2009 8th Street NW, filled a reusable bag with merchandise he did not pay for, then tried to snatch a manager’s cellphone before fleeing toward V Street NW, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. When officers caught up with him in the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW, Zephyrin allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed at one officer, hitting him in the elbow and forehead and causing a large laceration that required more than 50 stitches. Prosecutors say he then brandished the knife at a second officer and threw it at a third.
"Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in announcing the indictment, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz is prosecuting the case, and Zephyrin remains in custody pending trial.
Next steps and local context
Local outlets quickly picked up word of the indictment and upcoming court dates, with DC News Now detailing the charges and schedule. The indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, but the case is a sharp reminder of how a call about a simple theft can suddenly escalate into serious violence for officers and bystanders alike.
