WASHINGTON– A man accused of shooting a U.S. Park Police officer Monday night had been released from custody hours earlier after being arrested on drug charges the previous day, according to court records.
Asheile Foster, 22, was arrested Sunday, March 22, during a U.S. Park Police narcotics operation near Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Mellon Street SE. Investigators said they observed Foster engaging in a hand-to-hand drug transaction and recovered multiple bags of suspected fentanyl and alprazolam pills.
Foster was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and processed that same day, but on Monday, March 23, Foster was released from custody following a court appearance.
Hours later, authorities say, Foster went to a U.S. Park Police facility in Anacostia to retrieve personal items seized during his arrest. A Park Police officer assigned to the Major Crimes Unit followed Foster’s vehicle as he left, attempting to identify his residence for a possible search warrant.
The Major Crimes Unit was investigating a shooting that had taken place last week in Anacostia Park at an Eid al-Fitr celebration to mark the end of Ramadan. Two men were wanted in this shooting that injured one person and caused panic amongst celebration goers.
Police followed Foster to the 5000 block of Queens Stroll Place SE, where he met his brother, Darren Foster, 21.
According to court filings, the brothers approached the officer’s unmarked vehicle on foot. Investigators allege one was armed with a rifle and the other with a handgun. The two opened fire at close range, striking the officer and riddling the vehicle with bullets.
Despite being wounded, the officer was able to drive away while radioing “shots fired.” He was airlifted by U.S. Park Police helicopter to MedStar Washington Hospital Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Darren Foster was arrested shortly after the shooting, and Asheile Foster was taken into custody the following day. Both face multiple charges, including assault on a federal officer with a firearm.
“Those who target law enforcement officers will be identified, apprehended, and held accountable,” said US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in announcing the case, describing the shooting as a targeted attack on an officer conducting an investigation.
Authorities recovered firearms believed to have been used in the shooting, including an AR-style rifle and a handgun. Surveillance footage and witness accounts helped investigators identify the suspects, according to court documents.
The wounded police officer, who was shot in the shoulder, has been released from the hospital.
Both suspects are currently being held in the D.C. jail pending a court hearing.
