Man accused of assaulting officer who broke up Southeast DC basketball game

Police said an officer was assaulted when he tried to stop a basketball game in Southeast D.C. Sunday afternoon.

Under the District’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order, playgrounds and basketball courts are closed.

Police said about 50 people had gathered on the courts at Randle Highlands Elementary School, located along 30th Street Southeast.

When officers tried to disperse the crowd, police said, 30-year-old Clay Wendell struck one of the officers in the face. Wendell has been charged with assault of a police officer, unlawful entry, resisting arrest and fugitive from justice.

Video posted on social media showed the confrontation and a man striking one officer and swinging at another.

The officer was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Below is the area where it happened.

Dick Uliano

Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives.

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