At approximately 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2001, officers of the Seventh District responded to Suitland Parkway east bound just west of the Alabama Avenue overpass for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 25-year-old Omar Cauthen of the 2100 block of Ritchie Road, Forrsetville, Maryland, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. DCFD medical personnel responded to the scene to render medical assistance.

The victim was transported to D.C. General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:55 p.m.

A preliminary investigation into this case revealed that Mr. Cauthen was operating a vehicle occupied by three other men eastbound on Suitland Parkway. It appears that a passenger who was seated in the rear of the vehicle shot Mr. Cauthen. The vehicle then came to a stop at which time the front passenger was also assaulted and robbed by perhaps both of the rear passengers.

A subsequent investigation by Seventh District Detectives led to the apprehension of one of the passengers. He has been identified as 28-year-old Benjamin Brooks of the 2400 block of Elvans Road, S.E. Mr. Brooks is currently being charged with Felony Murder While Armed in the shooting death of Mr. Cauthen. He is scheduled to be arraigned sometime today at D.C. Superior Court. The other passenger who fled the scene is still at large.

The victim of the alleged assault refused treatment at a local hospital. His name is being withheld due to the fact that he is a witness in this case.