A sailor set to deploy, shot at his going away party

WASHINGTON - A sailor set to deploy overseas who was shot at his going away party early Saturday is now in critical but stable condition according to police.

Friends of Zane Kentner say he was shot in the chest after an altercation near bars in the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue in Dupont Circle.

Naval Support Activity Bethesda confirms Kentner is based there, and had just received a Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medal a few days ago.

D.C. Police say at around 3:20 a.m. Saturday, the gunman punched two people before shooting Kentner.

"After a brief foot pursuit, officers apprehended the suspect and recovered a handgun," police said in a news release.

Police arrested 27-year-old Ryan Demtric Matthews of NW. He's charged with assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition, and two counts of simple assault.

On social media, some of Kentner's family and friends have said he was an innocent bystander after fight a broke out, but that has not been confirmed by investigators.

Friends of Kentner tell FOX 5 that he was set to deploy out of the country next week and was out for a celebration with friends Friday night.

Stay with FOX 5 for the latest on this case.