Ex-Soldier Indicted In Assault On MP At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall In Arlington

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A former soldier accused of punching a military police officer during a security stop at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria.

Simeon Walter McFadden-Russ was indicted Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on three counts: assaulting a federal law enforcement officer involving physical contact and bodily injury; carrying a concealed weapon; and driving under the influence of drugs, according to court records.

The indictment marks a new stage in the federal case, which began after McFadden-Russ was arrested following an April 30 incident at the Hatfield Access Control Point at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington.

According to the indictment, McFadden-Russ is accused of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with a military police officer while the officer was performing official duties. Prosecutors said the alleged assault involved physical contact and caused bodily injury to the officer.

McFadden-Russ is also accused of knowingly carrying a concealed firearm at the installation and unlawfully operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs to a degree that impaired his ability to drive safely, according to the indictment.

McFadden-Russ’ arraignment is scheduled for June 4 at 9 a.m. in Alexandria Courtroom 1000 before U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles.

The charges stem from an encounter at the base gate, where military police stopped McFadden-Russ after noticing a strong odor of marijuana coming from his Tesla Model 3 and his person, according to an affidavit previously filed in the case. Investigators said McFadden-Russ ran from officers after being asked to pull over for an inspection.

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During the pursuit, McFadden-Russ allegedly punched a military police officer in the nose, causing bleeding, according to the affidavit. While officers struggled to detain him, the military police officer reportedly shouted “gun” after seeing a firearm in McFadden-Russ’ waistband. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 43X, according to court records.

The officer was treated by emergency medical services for injuries to his nose and right knee, according to the affidavit.

McFadden-Russ had his initial appearance May 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Fitzpatrick. The case is now proceeding under the grand jury indictment.

An indictment is a formal accusation and does not indicate guilt. McFadden-Russ is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.