Suspect arrested after fatal shooting at unauthorized car meet – NBC4 Washington

Prince George’s County police arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting at a car meet early Sunday morning.

Raheem Adams, 22, of Stafford, Virginia, is charged with first- and second-degree murder and other charges in connection with the shooting death of 26-year-old John Phipps in District Heights. Adams is in custody in Virginia awaiting extradition to Maryland.

At around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, a Chevy Camaro was sliding through the parking lot of a shopping center on Marlboro Pike when at least three gunmen fired shots in the direction of the car.

Phipps’ family members say he was sitting in his car in the parking lot with his friends when he was hit by gunfire. He was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.

“In the complete opposite direction from where the altercation had started, and he was innocent, completely innocent,” said Jeff Watt, Phipps’ friend and co-worker.

Another person in Phipps’ car was injured, police said.

According to charging documents, investigators believe Adams was one of the shooters.

Phipps was a dedicated tow truck driver with a lifelong passion for cars.

“Sometimes I still don’t believe it,” Watt said. “I mean, we worked together. We hung out on the weekends. I saw him almost every day. I’ve come to work the last three days looking for my best friend, and it’s weird not to see him walk through the door.”

“He was one of those people who was just outgoing,” said friend Isiah Goslee. “He never had a problem with anyone; He never wanted to hurt anyone.”

Adams has been arrested multiple times and charged with weapons possession in the past.

The owner of the parking lot said he knew nothing about the car meet and was not authorized.