Police obtained a first-degree murder warrant for a 21-year-old Gaithersburg man after Nicholas Njuki was fatally shot early Sunday.
ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County police are searching for 21-year-old Shayan Solimani Damabi of Gaithersburg after identifying him as the suspect in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Nicholas Njuki outside a Rockville restaurant early Sunday.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant Tuesday charging Solimani Damabi with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime, according to police. His whereabouts remained unknown Thursday, and authorities said he may be driving a red 2018 four-door Acura TLX with Maryland license plate 3GD6732. Police described him as about 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing about 205 pounds.
The shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. Sept. 13 near Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille in the Potomac Woods Plaza, in the 1000 block of Seven Locks Road. Rockville City Police and Montgomery County officers responded to a report of a shooting and found Njuki suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers and emergency responders tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Njuki and Solimani Damabi had been involved in a confrontation inside the restaurant before both men left. Njuki departed with another person in a vehicle, while Solimani Damabi left separately, according to police.
Police said the two sides encountered each other again near Fortune Terrace and Northside Park Boulevard. Investigators allege Njuki got out of the vehicle he had been riding in and approached Solimani Damabi’s vehicle. Police said Solimani Damabi then shot Njuki.
Investigators also allege Solimani Damabi fired at the person who had been with Njuki. That person drove away and was able to call police, authorities said. Solimani Damabi also left the area before officers arrived. Police have not publicly described a motive for the shooting beyond saying the two men had been involved in an earlier confrontation.
Authorities released Solimani Damabi’s identity and photograph Wednesday as homicide detectives continued trying to locate him. The warrant represents an accusation, and the charges have not been proven in court. No court proceedings can take place on the charges until he is taken into custody.
Njuki, who was also from Gaithersburg, was remembered by relatives as a family member, friend, coach and mentor. A fundraising campaign organized by his brother had raised more than $7,000 toward funeral expenses by Wednesday afternoon, according to local reporting.
Police said the investigation remains active and Solimani Damabi had not been located as of the latest verified reports Thursday. Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is accepting anonymous information about the shooting or his whereabouts, and police said information leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward.
Author note: Last updated September 17, 2026.