Felony Charges Filed After D.C. Nightclub Fee Dispute Escalates Into Officer-Involved Shooting and Crash

Incident began with threats during an attempted nightclub entry

A Washington, D.C., man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a dispute over a nightclub entrance fee in Northeast Washington escalated into a vehicular confrontation and an officer-involved shooting, followed by a crash several miles away.

Police said the events began around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, when Fifth District officers responded to reports of threats at an establishment in the 1800 block of New York Avenue NE. Investigators said the suspect attempted to enter the nightclub with a guest and became involved in a dispute about the entrance fee. Police said the suspect threatened club security and referenced returning with a firearm before leaving in a vehicle.

Police say the suspect returned twice, with a vehicle used as a weapon

While officers were interviewing security personnel at the location, police said the suspect returned in a car and drove toward the entrance area in the direction of officers and club security. Officers gave multiple loud commands for the driver to exit the vehicle, police said. The driver then reversed and fled, prompting officers to search the area.

Police said the vehicle returned again a short time later to the same block of New York Avenue NE. Officers again issued repeated commands for the driver to exit. Police said the driver then drove toward the club’s entrance and pedestrians, and then reversed in the direction of a Metropolitan Police Department officer.

Police said an officer positioned near the vehicle discharged a service weapon multiple times during the encounter.

Crash on New York Avenue NE and arrest announcement

Police said the driver fled at a high rate of speed and crashed in the 3400 block of New York Avenue NE. The suspect was found conscious and breathing with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported by D.C. Fire and EMS to a hospital. Police said no additional injuries were reported.

On Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Christopher Cherry, listed as having no fixed address. Authorities said Cherry was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Vehicle), Threat to Kidnap or Injure a Person, Felony Assault on a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, and Leaving After Colliding. Police said Cherry remained hospitalized with serious injuries.

Multiple reviews underway, including an independent federal review

• Police said the involved officers were placed on administrative leave under department policy.

• The officer-involved shooting is being investigated by the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau Force Investigations Team, which handles all law-enforcement shootings in the District.

• Police said the U.S. Attorney’s Office will independently review the facts and evidence in the case.

Police said the release of body-worn camera footage will follow District law.