District Woman Sentenced for Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for Attacking Law Enforcement While Shoplifting

            WASHINGTON – Jamilla Haskins, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 14 months in prison for attempting to stab a detective and pepper spraying him after he confronted her about stealing from the store, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Haskins pleaded guilty on February 21, 2024 to assault with a dangerous weapon.

            According to the government’s evidence, on January 23, 2024, at the CVS located at 128 Kennedy Street NW, Haskins concealed 30 items, including hair clips, shaving cream, and body oil, belonging to CVS, inside of her bag. She then passed all points of sale and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. An MPD detective who was checking on the retail thefts at local stores, saw Haskins attempting to steal items, stopped her, and confronted her about the property she had taken. Haskins responded by pepper spraying the Detective in the face. The detective then attempted to detain the defendant inside the CVS. Haskins began pushing the detective away and was actively trying to get away from him. Haskins still had merchandise in her possession. The struggle worked its way from the exit doors through the vestibule to the front outside entrance of the store. During the struggle, Haskins pointed a black pocketknife at the detective and threatened to stab him. The detective – with pepper spray in his eyes – disarmed her. Haskins continued to try to make her escape. The detective and MPD officers responding to his call were able stop Haskins at the corner of 2nd St NW on Kennedy St NW and recover her knife.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi.