An Alexandria man faces serious charges after allegedly pointing a firearm at his cousin at their home in the city’s Potomac West neighborhood.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in a home in the 300 block of Wesmond Drive on Friday, April 18. A woman, who was not at the scene, called 911 to report that her son was pointing a gun at her niece’s head. The victim called her aunt while the incident was happening, and told her that “her son was pointing a gun at her face,” according to dispatch reports.
The 54-year-old suspect was found to be in possession of a handgun and a shotgun. He was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and pointing/brandishing a firearm. He was released on recognizance and goes to court on June 27.
The possession charge is a Class 6 felony, and since the suspect was convicted less than a decade ago and faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, to be served consecutively with any other sentence. The brandishing charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.
The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.
“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”
