Marion Barry's Son Allegedly Attacked by DC Police
/Christopher Barry, the adult son of D.C. Council member and former
mayor Marion Barry, was charged with assaulting a police officer Friday
night after police said he repeatedly punched an officer sent to
investigate a possible disturbance. "For no apparent reason he just
attacked one of the officers," said Capt. Angel Medina, of the First
District, where the arresting officers are assigned. "He just reacted
and put one of the officers in a headlock and started to punch him."
Christopher Barry, 24, was released on his own recognizance yesterday
pending a preliminary hearing March 10. Barry's attorney, A.
Scott Bolden, said his client did nothing wrong. Bolden said the
officers assaulted Barry after entering the apartment without a warrant
or probable cause. "My client didn't assault anyone. If you look
at the bruises on his face and nose, he clearly was the one who was
assaulted by police," Bolden said. "There were three police officers
against one guy who did not resist, did not assault anyone. This case
requires a lot more investigation by the government." He says it's
strange that there was no other charge or reason given for the
scuffle. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said the matter will be
fully investigated if Christopher Barry files a complaint with the
Civilian Complaint Review Board. "Until it is proven otherwise, I
believe what my officers are telling me," Ramsey said. According to a
court document, three officers responded to the Court Square Apartments
in the 700 block of Fourth Street NW about 9:45 p.m. Friday after
receiving a call about a possible disturbance or domestic dispute. When
they arrived, the document indicates, the officers heard loud music and
smelled "a strong odor" they suspected was marijuana. After no one
answered the door, the officers opened an unlocked door, according to
the document. Christopher Barry, the report states, then tried to
close the door on the officer's arm. Barry, who was apparently alone in
the apartment, then put Officer M. Fanone in a headlock and "began
striking" the officer "numerous times with a closed fist," according to
the report. After two other officers subdued him, Barry was taken to
George Washington University Hospital, where he was treated and later
released. Fanone suffered abrasions in the scuffle and was treated at
Washington Hospital Center, Medina said. Marion Barry (D-Ward 8)
released a statement yesterday asking that his son's privacy be
respected. "My son, Marion Christopher Barry, is a private citizen, not
an elected official," Barry said. "His arrest is a private family
matter."[more] and [more]
