WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Police Department is remembering the life of 51-year-old Wayne David, who died while trying to recover a gun during a chase.
Chief Pamela Smith said the department is “hurting” as they investigate the circumstances that led to an accidental shooting that killed him.
Investigators are still trying to find the person captured on a nearby surveillance camera who ditched a gun into storm drain near Eastern Avenue in Northeast late Wednesday afternoon. As David tried to recover the gun, it went off.
The DC Police Union said he was shot in the head.
Police said they initially tried to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the alley when this man darted from the vehicle and led them on a chase. Soon after throwing away the gun, Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said the man escaped north on I-295 with the help of a motorcyclist.
Chief Smith couldn’t say exactly the type of gun but said the serial number was scratched off. It’s also unclear what charges, if any, the man could face if found.
There’s a $50,000 reward to help locate the individual.
“To be honest, I’m really trying to wrap my head around what happened,” Chief Smith said. “We’re still in shock. I haven’t had a chance to really put into deep thought into whether or not what type of charges will be leveraged if you will against the suspect. What we need him to do is to turn himself in.”
Wayne joined the police department in 1998. He eventually was assigned to the Gun Recovery Unit for more than a decade. In 2021, he became an investigator with the Violent Crime Suppression Division.
He specialized in removing illegal guns off the streets and finding stolen cars.
“Wayne was always a go-getter,” retired MPD lieutenant Sidney Paul told WUSA9. “If there was a sign of a gunshot, believe me, Wayne will try to be the first one there. That's the one thing I know about Wayne. He was always looking for work and always looking to help out his fellow officers.”
Chief Smith described him as positive, professional and poised.
Officers said years into this profession, he kept his passion and drive to help make our communities safer.
“He was always known to be around with a smile, a cheerful attitude no matter what the situation was, no matter how long the day was, no matter what was going on,” Executive Assistant Chief Carroll said. “Ray was always a ray of sunshine and willing to help out other people and help them learn.”
David leaves behind two children.
He was also recognized with a Ribbon of Valor for his work during the Jan. 6 insurrection.