WASHINGTON — The only man facing a charge linked to a gunshot fired inside a car near the World War II Memorial earlier this month appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
A judge found probable cause that will allow the case against 30-year-old Paul Maurice Holmes to continue.
He is charged with fleeing police during a chase from Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park up to the Van Ness area of Connecticut Avenue Aug. 4 about three hours after the gunshot was reported.
A U.S. Park Police detective and prosecutor said in court Tuesday that Holmes tested positive for PCP and cocaine following his arrest.
The detective, Wayne Humberson, says Holmes apologized to officers after his arrest, and said something about his need to protect his family.
Humberson said an unmarked car followed Holmes from his home in Mount Pleasant prior to the chase. Humberson says Holmes weaved into oncoming traffic during the chase.
Holmes — who goes by Maurice and his legal first name Paul — and his attorney declined to comment on Tuesday’s hearing.
U.S. Park Police have said the gunshot, that apparently did not injure anyone, came as the result of some kind of dispute inside the white sedan in which Holmes was pulled over. The gun was found along Rock Creek Parkway near the Kennedy Center shortly after the gunfire was reported.
Holmes has said the gun fired during a struggle and robbery attempt inside the car.
There have been no charges filed related to the incident along the National Mall.
Holmes is free as the case against him moves forward.
