Press release: People v. Ansar El Muhammad, July 25, 2001

District Attorney Jan Scully announced that Ansar El Muhammad, aka Nicholas Edwards, was convicted Monday, July 23, 2001, of the attempted murder of a police officer with enhancements for the personal use and discharge of a firearm. The defendant was also convicted of assault on a peace officer, two counts of robbery with enhancements for personal use of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A prior "strike" conviction was also found to be true.

On July 1, 1998, the defendant robbed Day's Market at gunpoint, fleeing on a bike with $333 in cash. Five minutes and a few blocks later, Sacramento City Police Officer (SPD) Charles Husted saw a subject who partially matched the description of the robber that had just been broadcast. Officer Husted grabbed the defendant, who resisted, hitting the officer in the face. Muhammad/Edwards then reached into his pocket, pulled out a handgun, and came up shooting. A bullet went through the velcro strap on Officer Husted's body armor and penetrated his left shoulder. Officer Husted returned fire, hitting the defendant. The defendant continued to shoot as he fled, so Officer Husted opened the door of his patrol car and released his canine partner, Pele. As the defendant fired several more shots, Pele chased him and brought him down. When recovered, the defendant's revolver had nine empty shell casings in the cylinder.

The defendant represented himself at trial. According to Deputy District Attorney Ron Wells, "Over the history of this case, the defendant was represented by at least five attorneys, had at least three defense investigators, and twice chose to represent himself. He jerked the system around for three years and then had the audacity in his closing argument to claim that he was the true victim."

One of the true victims, SPD Officer Charles Husted, was very pleased by verdicts and will be present for sentencing in Department 18 at 9:30 a.m. on August 20, 2001.