The Metropolitan Police Department reinstated two Washington, DC, officers, Officer Terence Sutton and Lt. Andrew Zabavsky, who were initially suspended without pay following their involvement in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown in 2020. Sutton was convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy to obstruct, and obstruction of justice, receiving a 66-month prison sentence, while Zabavsky was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice, facing 48 months behind bars. Both officers were pardoned by President Donald Trump just days after his inauguration.

The officers will undergo extensive retraining before their new assignments are determined, and it remains uncertain if they will return to public-facing roles. Prosecutors argued that Sutton and Zabavsky pursued Hylton-Brown at high speeds until he was fatally struck by a motorist, after which they allegedly covered up the incident by turning off their body cameras and misleading their superiors.

While defense lawyers contested the details of the encounter, the DC police department expressed gratitude for the presidential pardon, emphasizing that pursuing violations of department policies should be addressed through training and disciplinary measures rather than criminal prosecution. Sutton, expressing gratitude for the pardon, stated his desire to return to the police force to continue his career. The case highlights the complexities surrounding police pursuits and the legal implications that can arise from such incidents.