D.C. Officer Killed Retrieving Suspect’s Gun From Storm Drain After It Accidentally Discharges
A D.C. police officer was fatally shot by a firearm that accidentally discharged while he was retrieving it from a storm drain. 🌐 #News #WashingtonDC #Police #Accident
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A police officer was killed in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday when a firearm he was trying to retrieve from a storm drain accidentally discharged, officials said.
The Metropolitan Police Department said that at around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, officers from the department’s Robbery Suppression Unit were canvassing the area of the 4500 block of Quarles Street, Northeast, when they observed a suspect exiting a suspicious vehicle.
When officers tried to make contact, the suspect fled toward Interstate 295 southbound and jumped down a retaining wall. Officers saw the suspect drop a firearm in a storm drain before he fled the area on the back of a motorcycle.
During the attempt to recover the firearm from the storm drain, it went off, striking Investigator Wayne David, a veteran MPD officer. He was transported by MPD helicopter to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight after the tragic loss of one of our own,” Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement.
“Investigator David was the epitome of a great officer. He was a dedicated and highly respected member of the department, and this is a tremendous loss for all of us. For more than 25 years, Investigator David dedicated his life to protecting and safeguarding the District of Columbia. He served with passion and honor and had the utmost respect of his peers,” Smith said.
Police released surveillance images of the suspect, and are asking the public’s help in identifying him. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward or submit an anonymous tip. Use the comments section below to leave a word of encouragement for the hard working men and women at the Metropolitan Police Department or a thought for the officer’s family affected by this tragedy.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Emma Smith for JackAndKitty.com.
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