Tragic Accident: DC Police Officer’s Life Cut Short by Accidental Shooting!
A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday when a D.C. police officer accidentally shot himself near Interstate 295, leading to his death. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported the event shortly before 6:10 p.m., noting that officers were responding to a critical situation near I-295 and Eastern Avenue.
At that time, MPD confirmed that an officer had been taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound. By 8 p.m., the details of the incident were updated. Officers were trying to apprehend a suspicious person in the 4500 block of Coral Street NE. When their vehicle stopped, the individual fled, leaping onto I-295 South. Witnesses reported that the suspect hid a gun in a storm drain before escaping on a motorcycle.
Soon after, additional officers arrived to retrieve the firearm from the storm drain. However, when one officer reached for the gun, it discharged accidentally, causing him to shoot himself in the upper body. Fellow officers administered immediate first aid before he was transported to a hospital.
The officer, Wayne David, had served with the MPD for over 25 years and had been part of the violent crime suppression team for more than 15 years. In a post on X, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her condolences and highlighted the dangers that officers face daily.
“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,” she wrote.
By 10 p.m., MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll confirmed that Investigator Wayne David had succumbed to his injuries at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Carroll praised David as a “true hero” and confirmed that the incident would be considered a line-of-duty death. He assured that David would receive proper honors for his service.
Following the incident, lanes in both directions on I-295 were closed for several hours. Authorities continued their search for the suspect who had escaped. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined the investigation to assist MPD.
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Police are seeking help from the public. Anyone with information or who can identify the suspect is urged to call (202) 727-9099 or text MPD at 50411. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.