WASHINGTON — Police are investigating a shooting that killed an officer Wednesday evening. The shooting caused police to shut down DC-295, causing massive traffic delays for commuters.
At 5:40 p.m., officers with the Violent Crimes Suppression Unit were patrolling the Northeast area along Ord Street. During this time, officers said they saw a suspicious vehicle parked in an ally. One of the passengers in the car got out, at which time officers attempted to talk to him.
The man in the car took off running toward I-295 South. Police say they saw the man dump a gun down a nearby storm drain before crossing the highway. As police continued to chase him, the man reportedly hopped on the back of a moving motorcycle that was heading north on I-295. The man has not been found since. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his identification and arrest.
This caused a closure of all southbound lanes along I-295 between US-50/New York Ave and Polk Street, Northeast. The northbound lanes were later diverted to Kenilworth Avenue.
Meanwhile, officers headed back to the storm drain where the man dumped the gun. As they were attempting to retrieve the firearm, it went off, hitting an officer, now identified as investigator Wayne David, in the upper body.
Officers on the scene rendered aid until a helicopter was able to airlift David to a nearby hospital. During a press conference held at 7:30 p.m., Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said David was receiving treatment.
When asked why the man was believed to be "suspicious," Carroll didn't give any information. Police did say they were not sure that the man knew the driver on the motorcycle. They are reviewing surveillance cameras to gather more information.
David succumbed to his injuries at the hospital Wednesday night.
"Today he gave his life to serve the visitors and residents here in the District of Columbia and we will never forget that," Carroll said in a separate press conference held outside of the hospital just after 10 p.m.
David had been with D.C. Police for 25 years and had been a part of the Violent Crimes Suppression task force for 15. Police are ruling Wednesday's incident as a line of duty death and plan to hold a ceremony to properly honor Investigator David.
DC Police Chief Pamela A. Smith released a statement regarding David's death late Wednesday night:
Our hearts are heavy tonight after the tragic loss of one of our own. Investigator Wayne David, a veteran MPD officer, lost his life while serving in the line of duty. There are few words to express the hurt and pain that Officer David’s family and the entire MPD is feeling right now.
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.
I will be forever grateful for Investigator David’s service to the Metropolitan Police Department and his life will never be forgotten.
Earlier Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement following the news of the shooting:
"Tonight, through a tragic accident, a long time officer in our MPD family suffered a gunshot wound while responding to a scene and working to recover a firearm. We are praying for his recovery and for his colleagues at MPD. While preliminary information indicates that the gunshot was the result of a tragic accident, this is a horrible reminder of the dangers our officers face every day. We are grateful for their service."