WASHINGTON (7News) — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced Thursday that it will not charge a U.S. Marshals Service (USPP) officer in connection with the March 2023 shooting death of a teenager because of “insufficient evidence” to pursue the case.

Dalaneo Martin, 17, was in a stolen car when officers tried to pull him over the morning of March 18 in Northwest DC. Martin was shot and killed by a US Park Police officer after the sergeant, who was trapped in the car, was dragged while Martin allegedly tried to escape.

“I am heartbroken, but we will not let this decision deter us from seeking justice,” said Terra Martin, Dalaneo’s mother.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Division reviewed physical evidence, surveillance video, audio and visual recordings from an ambulance, witness records, autopsy records, and MPD reports .

“After a careful, thorough and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the United States police officer is criminally responsible for the death of Mr. Martin,” the US Attorney’s Office told DC . in a statement.

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According to officials, MPD officers received a radio call for a suspicious vehicle parked in the 3400 block of Baker Street NE that Saturday morning. When USPP and MPD officers responded, they found a person, later identified as Martin, sleeping in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

The vehicle had a license plate attached to it that belonged to another car and the contact was hit, authorities said. Officers came up with a plan to get Martin out of the car, but as they tried to move him, he woke up and a struggle ensued.

Martin put the car in drive and drove off with a US Park Police officer in the back seat of the car.

The officer yelled at Martin to “stop” as the car headed down Baker Street toward Kenilworth Avenue. But Martin continued driving, making a left turn onto the 200 block of Kenilworth Avenue.

Then the officer yelled again “Stop man, let me go! Let me out! Stop or I’ll shoot.”

As the car headed toward 36th Street NE, the Park police officer drew his service pistol and fired five rounds at Martin, striking him.

After Martin was struck, the vehicle continued north on 36th Street, then left the road, crossed the sidewalk, went up the embankment and struck a house. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later said they found a gun inside the car with Martin.

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A law firm issued a statement following the USAO decision.

“Today, we received the heartbreaking news that the US Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges against the Park Police officer involved in the tragic death of 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin, saying they did not have enough evidence to prove a crime beyond the bounds reasonable. doubt because the officer may have acted in self-defense,” said law firm District Legal Group, PLLC. “The office further explained that they only bring criminal charges against police officers if they can prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. For citizens who are not officers, the standard for bringing criminal charges is probable cause.”

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The law firm continued: “This decision is deeply troubling and sends a disturbing message to our community that it is okay for officers to use deadly force against children in the community. Video footage of the incident shows Dalaneo Martin in a dazed state after being tackled. while resting in his vehicle, despite being told not to get into the vehicle, Park Police Officer chose to get into the back seat of the vehicle, fully closing the door behind him, Dalaneo was never a threat direct to the safety of the officer or others Nearby, however, seconds later, he paid the ultimate price in an encounter that should never have ended with the use of lethal force is still under review at the Department of the Interior” .