MoCo Man Charged Over Deadly Sports Bar Shooting: Police

Montgomery County Police issued an arrest warrant charging a Gaithersburg man with the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Nicholas Njuki.

By Gaby Arancibia, Patch Staff

Sep 16, 2026 5:15 PM EDT | Updated Sep 16, 2026 5:41 PM EDT

Montgomery County Police have issued an arrest warrant for Shayan Solimani Damabi, 21, in connection with a deadly weekend shooting in Rockville. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)

ROCKVILLE, MD — A 21-year-old Gaithersburg man is wanted in connection with the deadly shooting that happened over the weekend at a Rockville sports bar.

Montgomery County Police identified the man on Wednesday as Shayan Solimani Damabi, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

Police described Solimani Damabi in a release as being 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. Officials believe he could be driving a red 2018 Acura TLX with Maryland license plate 3GD6732.

An arrest warrant issued Tuesday by authorities charges Solimani Damabi with first-degree murder and using a firearm in a violent crime.

What Prompted The Arrest Warrant?

Solimani Damabi was identified by investigators as the gunman who fatally shot 33-year-old Nicholas Njuki in the parking lot area of Quincy's Potomac Bar & Grille on the 1000 block of Seven Locks Road.

Authorities said the Sunday shooting was preceded by an altercation that broke out between Solimani Damabi and Njuki, also of Gaithersburg, while the pair were inside the sports bar.

Although Njuki and a friend left the restaurant together and drove away from the scene, they later encountered Solimani Damabi a second time near the intersection of Fortune Terrace and Northside Park Boulevard.

During the second encounter, Njuki stepped out of the car and walked toward Solimani Damabi's car, which led to the deadly shooting. Njuki was pronounced dead in the parking lot.

According to police, Solimani Damabi also fired toward Njuki's companion, who drove away and called police to the scene. By the time police arrived, Damabi had already left the area.

Njuki's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses.

Officials are offering a reward between $250 and $10,000 for information that leads to Solimani Damabi's arrest. Tips, which can remain anonymous, can be made through the Crime Solvers online portal or by calling (866) 411-8477.