Maryland Man Charged After Alleged Gun Threat on Rhode Island Avenue

One‐Year Investigation Ends in Arrest

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year after a late-night confrontation on Rhode Island Avenue NW left a motorist shaken and a vehicle damaged, police have arrested the man they say is responsible. Benedict Otunba, 38, of Capitol Heights, Md., was taken into custody last Wednesday by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force on a D.C. Superior Court warrant.

What Happened on June 8, 2024

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the incident unfolded around 9:50 p.m. near the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue. The victim, stopped at a traffic light, noticed another driver—later identified as Otunba—pull alongside and begin hurling objects at their vehicle. Moments later, investigators say, Otunba brandished a handgun, threatened the victim, and maneuvered his car to block any escape. Before speeding off, he allegedly caused significant damage to the victim’s vehicle.

The victim was not physically injured but, police note, was “visibly distressed” when officers arrived. Detectives recovered debris consistent with the thrown objects and collected surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Otunba now faces three felony counts:

Charge	Maximum Penalty*	Description
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun)	10 years	Using or threatening to use a firearm to harm another person
Threats to Kidnap or Injure	5 years	Communicating an intent to cause serious harm
Destruction of Property	3 years	Willful damage to another’s property

*Penalties reflect D.C. guidelines; actual sentences depend on prior record and judicial discretion.

How Investigators Closed the Case

MPD has not detailed the specific evidence that tied Otunba to the crime. However, a spokesperson credited:

Enhanced video analytics that clarified license-plate data from low-light footage.
Digital forensics that placed Otunba’s cellphone near the scene when the assault occurred.
Witness cooperation after detectives canvassed area residents and businesses.

Once detectives completed their case file, the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained a warrant, triggering the regional fugitive task force’s involvement. Otunba was arrested without incident in Prince George’s County and extradited to the District.

Community Reassurance

While the encounter resulted in no physical injuries, police say it underscores how quickly roadway disputes can turn violent. “Our communities deserve to feel safe, and MPD is determined to hold those who threaten that safety accountable,” the department said in a written statement announcing the arrest.

Local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Diana Clarkson praised the outcome but called for broader measures. “Reactive policing is important, but we also need sustained traffic calming and visible patrols along Rhode Island Avenue to deter aggressive driving before it escalates,” she said.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Otunba made an initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Friday, where a judge ordered him held pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week. Prosecutors indicated they may seek pre-trial detention based on the alleged use of a firearm and Otunba’s prior misdemeanor convictions in Maryland.

If the case proceeds to trial, prosecutors must prove that Otunba both threatened the victim and caused property damage. Defense counsel declined immediate comment, noting only that Otunba “looks forward to his day in court.”

Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety

The arrest aligns with MPD’s wider effort to reduce violent crime, particularly incidents involving firearms. Police urge anyone who witnesses aggressive behavior on city streets to call 911 rather than intervene. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department’s TEXT MPD line.

As legal proceedings unfold, authorities say additional details—such as the make of the firearm, the full extent of the vehicle damage, and any restitution sought—will be disclosed in court filings. For now, residents along Rhode Island Avenue hope the arrest brings reassurance that threats on their streets will not go unanswered.