Marshal shoots alleged carjacker near Justice Sotomayor's DC home
WASHINGTON – A deputy U.S. Marshal protecting Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shot a teenager attempting to carjack the officer’s vehicle last week, according to court records and other reports.
The marshal was on duty with another officer in an unmarked vehicle when 18-year-old Kentrell Flowers allegedly approached the vehicle with a loaded firearm around 1:17 a.m. on July 5, according to a court filing.
The officers − both of whom were wearing shirts identify them as marshals − were protecting Sotomayor, who has a condo on the street where the shooting occurred, according to the Daily Mail, which first reported the connection.
A spokesperson for the Marshals Service said the officers involved "were part of the unit protecting the residences of U.S. Supreme Court justices," but declined to be more specific.
"As a general practice, the U.S. Marshals don’t discuss specifics of protective details," spokesperson Abigail Meyer said in a statement.
The Supreme Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Flowers allegedly pulled up next to the marshal’s vehicle in a silver Toyota Sienna minivan, got out and pointed .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol through the driver’s side window, according to a statement by Deputy Marshal Tyler Wells.
The marshal fired about four times at Flowers, striking him in the mouth, according to Wells' statement. The marshal provided medical attention to Flowers as the minivan raced off, Wells said.
Washington, DC, police said the minivan, registered in Virginia, had also been carjacked.
A court appearance for Flowers, who was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, had not been scheduled as of mid-day Tuesday. He has been charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and attempted carjacking.