Man pleads guilty in May 2023 shootout near Northwest DC nightclub

Gabby Allen
·2 min read

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in connection with a shootout near a DuPont Circle nightclub in May 2023.

According to court documents, 27-year-old Dirk Easton was with a group of men outside the Abigail nightclub at around 3 a.m. on May 13, 2023. A physical fight broke out between some of the men there and others inside the parking garage.

Two people got into a silver Kia and began leaving the garage. Easton, who was not involved in the earlier altercation, ran into the garage and toward the Kia. He pulled out a gun with an extended magazine and, when the Kia tried to reverse, he opened fire. He hit the car and the surrounding area multiple times, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO).

Woman dead, man injured in laundromat stabbing in Prince George’s County

Easton was hit with a bullet that ricocheted from his gun.

Three other men were arrested and charged in relation to the shootout. On Nov. 13, 2023, Adrian Vinson pled guilty to carrying a firearm while having a drug trafficking offense. He was sentenced to 66 months in prison. On Oct. 16, 2023, Tyron Hines pled guilty to the same charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.

Garrick Richardson was also charged in relation to his possession of a firearm in the parking garage – a status hearing is scheduled for March 18.

DC police: Man intentionally lights apartment on fire after receiving past-due rent notice

Easton pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $37,000. He also faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.