Family defends brothers accused of shooting at undercover US Park Police officer in DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — The two brothers accused of shooting at an undercover U.S. Park Police officer were in court for the first time on Wednesday afternoon.

Darren Foster, 21, and Asheile Foster, 22, are accused of shooting at an undercover park police officer in Southeast D.C. on March 23.

7News confirmed that the officer was investigating a shooting from March 20–the same day as the shooting at the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Rink.

7News also went through the criminal complaint and spoke with relatives of the Foster brothers.

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The grandmother, Vinita Palmer, 60, said she was driving Asheile to pick up his items at the Anacostia Park Police station when a white car with heavily tinted windows started following them. They said they grew concerned when it kept following them on the highway, and when they made wrong turns, they parked behind it when they got home.

“All of a sudden, he pulls right behind me, about this time, I’m jumping out,” said Palmer.

“Asheile goes to the car, banging the window. ‘Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Roll down your window. Roll down your window.’ I just took off running. And the next thing I know, chaos broke out, and I just heard gunshots. And I hit the ground.”

The criminal complaint states that while she was driving, either Asheile or his grandmother called Asheile’s brother, Darren, and asked him to come outside because someone was following them.

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Photos in the criminal complaint from an MPD camera on the street allegedly show the brother pointing guns and shooting at the undercover vehicle as it drove off.

7News also spoke to the brother’s mother before four additional federal charges were added. She said she walked into the home moments before the cars arrived and the shooting happened.

“Unbelievable,” said Foster. “My children. Not even the type of children that are into violence and things like that.

In court, it was stated that Darren Foster had no criminal record. However, the arrest document revealed Asheile Foster was arrested in a drug case the day before.

The officer was allegedly following Ashiele from that police station because investigators believe he was a person of interest in a shooting that happened on Friday. Someone was shot near the Anacostia skate pavilion, though police did not say specifically if that was the case Asheile is connected to.

Palmer said Asheile is Muslim and was at the Pavilion on Friday for prayer and the end-of-Ramadan service.

The brothers will return to court on Thursday. Prosecutors are expected to present a witness during the detention hearing.

The Foster brothers face counts of assault on a federal officer, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

“Those who target law enforcement officers will be identified, apprehended, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. She added, ” This office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to ensure they face the consequences they deserve.”