WASHINGTON D.C. – A married couple from Richmond was arrested Tuesday outside of the U.S. Capitol for having a pistol without a license in the District of Columbia.

According to United States Capitol Police (USCP) at approximately 12:50 p.m., a man approached two USCP officers at First Street and East Capitol Street, SE to ask for directions. One of the officers then spotted a black firearm handle sticking out of the front pocket of the man’s shorts.

The man was identified as Titus Hayes and he was carrying a 9mm pistol with a high capacity magazine. The USCP press release then says that Hayes stated he and his wife, Nicole Carter, had a second gun in their vehicle that was parked on East Capitol Street, SE. Officers found another 9mm handgun in the glove box of the vehicle and arrested Carter as well.

This incident transpired on the same day that a police officer died after a shooting incident near the Pentagon.

According to USCP, there is currently no information to indicate either suspect was targeting a Member of Congress or the Capitol Complex. They do not have a previous record with the Department.

“So far this year, the United States Capitol Police has confiscated 13 guns near the Capitol,” said Police Chief Tom Manger. “It was the officer’s keen observation and attention to detail that removed two more illegal guns from our community.”

Hayes was charged with Carrying a Pistol without a License, Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device.

Carter was charged with Carrying a Pistol without a License, Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Unlawful Transportation of a Firearm.


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By vascope