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A National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with two felonies after allegedly pointing a loaded service weapon at a fellow guardswoman during an argument over military hairstyle regulations, according to court documents filed in D.C. Superior Court.
Zion Mitchell, 21, of Macon, Georgia, faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. As of Friday (September 5), Mitchell remained held without bond because of "the nature of the crimes," according to court records.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, outside a Popeyes restaurant at 1226 H Street NE, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit filed by Metropolitan Police Department Detective Jacob Krycia. Eight guardsmen were sitting in a black van, taking a break from a walking patrol, when Mitchell and a female colleague began arguing about whether their hairstyles complied with Army regulations.
During the exchange, Mitchell allegedly told the woman he would "slap the Jackson 5 out of you." After she responded, "Shut the f--- up. Try me," witnesses reported hearing a holster clicking open, according to the affidavit. Another soldier immediately told Mitchell to put the weapon away and stated that Mitchell had nearly shot him in the hand.
The alleged victim told police she did not see Mitchell draw the pistol. However, two other soldiers told detectives they saw him point the weapon in her direction. One witness said Mitchell responded to a warning from another witness by saying the pistol was "on safe." That witness told police the weapon was loaded with a round in the chamber, as guardsmen's weapons generally are.
MPD detectives interviewed the group the following morning at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 26, after a National Guard liaison reported the incident. Investigators wrote that Mitchell initially said he had pointed a pistol magazine during "playful banter." He later acknowledged drawing the pistol and pointing it toward the woman, but said the muzzle was angled about 45 degrees downward rather than at her head, the affidavit alleges.
Mitchell's next scheduled court date is September 15.