A Jamaican man, who was allegedly living in the United States illegally, was arrested and charged after shooting three police officers leading to an hours-long standoff in Washington D.C.
Stephen Claude Rattigan, also known as Julius James, aged 48 faces a slew of serious charges following a distressing incident in Southeast DC.
The charges against him include assault with intent to kill while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, he’s being charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Jamaican had his first court appearance on February 15 before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond. He was ordered to be held without bond until a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 29, 2024, before Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
Shooting and 12-hour standoff
According to court documents, the incident unfolded on February 14, 2024, when officers from the Metropolitan Police Department went to Rattigan’s residence in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast to execute an arrest warrant related to a complaint of animal cruelty. This warrant stemmed from an incident in April 2023, where Rattigan was caught on security camera footage beating one of his dogs in the face.
Subsequent visits by an Animal Control Investigator and a Humane Society Officer in January 2024 addressed concerns about the number of animals on the property and the living conditions for the animals.
On the day of the arrest, law enforcement officers identified themselves and attempted to apprehend Rattigan. However, upon their entry into the home, Rattigan opened fire, injuring several officers. He then barricaded himself inside the residence for over 12 hours until authorities finally took him into custody later that day. Following the arrest, authorities removed 31 dogs from his home.
The officers who were injured are currently in stable condition.
Rattigan reportedly has a criminal history that dates back to 1995, including previous convictions for larceny and drug charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says he was also deported to Jamaica in 2001 and came back into the U.S. illegally.
The Jamaican has an active deportation order.
