D.C.
Charles Morrell Ball charged with driving SUV into D.C. building
Updated: June 10, 2012 - 01:24 pm
Authorities say the man accused of driving an SUV into an office building in the nation's capital has been charged with arson and other counts.
Gwendolyn Crump, a spokeswoman for District of Columbia police, said 32-year-old Charles Morrell Ball of New Market, Md., is also facing charges of felony destruction of property and felony unauthorized use of vehicle driver.
According to D.C. court records, an assault with intent to kill charge has also been filed against Ball.
D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said Friday night it appeared the SUV was intentionally driven into the building in the 1000 block of Connecticut Avenue. The vehicle went into the building's lobby and struck an ATM.
The building is less than a mile from the White House in the city's business district. It has a mix of offices, retail shops and restaurants.
Sources tell ABC 7 the SUV was doused with gasoline. The vehicle had been reported stolen.
The driver was taken into custody and transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
D.C. police called in the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to assist with the investigation.
Lanier adds, "...out of abundance of caution when somebody appears to intentionally drive a truck into a building in Washington, we're always going to take whatever precautions we can."
WMATA closed the Farragut North 18th and L Street entrance for a time due to the police activity. Metro service was not affected.
Ball missed his first court appearance, because he was still in the hospital. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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