A veteran Washington, D.C., police officer was fatally shot on Wednesday in a tragic accident while attempting to recover a discarded firearm from a storm drain. Officer Wayne David, who had served the force for 25 years, was struck in the head by the gun’s accidental discharge, the D.C. Police Union reported.
The chain of events began when officers witnessed a suspect fleeing from a vehicle and throwing a firearm into a storm drain before escaping on a motorcycle. As David and his fellow officers worked to retrieve the weapon, it discharged, causing fatal injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, David did not survive.
The D.C. Police Union expressed deep grief over the loss, asking for support and prayers for David’s family and coworkers. “We are all devastated at this incredible loss,” the union stated.
Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll paid tribute to David, calling him a “true hero” who gave his life in the line of duty. Carroll assured the public that David’s dedication to the safety of D.C. would be remembered.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with law enforcement working to identify and locate the suspect who discarded the weapon. The suspect has been described as a male with long dreadlocks, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the dangers police officers face every day, stressing that while the gunshot appears to have been a tragic accident, it underscores the immense risks involved in law enforcement.
