WASHINGTON —
A cop was fatally shot on Wednesday evening, and the police are currently investigating the incident. Commuters faced significant delays as DC-295 was shut down by police following the shooting.
Troops from the Violent Crimes Suppression Unit were out on patrol along Ord Street in the Northeast neighborhood at about 5:40 p.m. Officers reported seeing a suspicious vehicle parked in an alley during this period. When one of the car’s passengers stepped out, the police tried to speak with him.
The driver sped off in the direction of I-295 South. The suspect was seen by police dumping a firearm into a nearby storm drain before he crossed the highway, according to the police. Reportedly, the suspect leaped onto a moving motorcycle traveling north on I-295 while police persisted in pursuing him. Since then, the man has remained missing.
Authorization: District of Columbia Police
As a result, I-295 was closed in both directions between US-50/New York Ave and Polk Street, Northeast, where southbound traffic was halted. After some time, traffic on Kenilworth Avenue was redirected to the northbound lanes.
Officers returned to the location where the man had discarded the firearm. An cop, whose identity has since been revealed as Investigator Wayne David, was shot in the upper torso when the gun went off as they were trying to get it.
When a helicopter arrived, the responding officers helped transport Investigator David to a local hospital. Investigator David was informed by Chief Jeffery Carroll during a press conference that took place at 7:30 p.m. that he was undergoing treatment.
Chief Carroll refused to elaborate on why the individual was deemed “suspicious” when questioned about the matter. Although the man may have known the motorcyclist, the police stated they were unsure. To get further information, they are looking over security cameras.
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David, the investigator, passed away on Wednesday night at the hospital after suffering injuries.
“Today he dedicated his life to serving the visitors and residents here in the District of Columbia and we will never forget that,” Chief Carroll said in a separate press conference held outside of the hospital just after 10 p.m.
For fifteen years, Investigator David was a member of the DC Police Department’s Violent Crimes Suppression task force. He had served with the police for twenty-five years overall. Investigator David will be appropriately honored in a ceremony that will be held after police have determined that Wednesday’s incident was a death in the course of duty.
Late Wednesday night, DC Police Chief Pamela A. Smith issued a statement addressing David’s death:
After the terrible death of one of our own, we are grieving a heavy heart tonight. Veteran MPD officer and investigator Wayne David was killed in the line of duty. Words cannot describe the depth of the sorrow felt by Officer David’s loved ones and the entire MPD department at this time.
Officer David exemplified all that is good about law enforcement. It is with deep sorrow that we all mourn the passing of such a devoted and esteemed colleague of the department.
Detective David devoted over 25 years of his life to ensuring the safety of the nation’s capital. He was highly esteemed by his colleagues and served with great dedication and honor.
Detective David’s sacrifice for the MPD is an unspeakable act of kindness, and I will be eternally thankful to him.
In response to the shooting news, Mayor Muriel Bowser of the District of Columbia issued a statement earlier on Wednesday:
A long-serving member of our MPD family was shot and wounded tonight in a tragic accident while responding to a scene and attempting to recover a weapon. His MPD coworkers and he are both in our prayers as they heal. Although initial reports suggest that the shooting was an unfortunate accident, it serves as a terrible reminder of the risks that our police officers encounter daily. We deeply appreciate their assistance.
The northbound lanes of DC-295 are now open to traffic as of 8:30 p.m. We are still closing all lanes going south. The southbound lanes are being redirected to the westbound US-50/New York Avenue.
