In a tragic Washington, D.C., incident, police officer was fatally shot on Wednesday while attempting to retrieve a discarded gun from a storm drain, according to the D.C. Police Union. The officer, identified as 25-year veteran Wayne David, died after the firearm discharged during the retrieval process.
The incident unfolded earlier that day when officers observed a suspect jump from a suspicious vehicle and throw a firearm into a storm drain before fleeing on a motorcycle. As Officer David and his colleagues attempted to recover the weapon, the gun discharged, striking David in the head, the D.C. Police Union reported. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, David succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The D.C. Police Union expressed their sorrow on social media, stating, “Please send your prayers to his family and coworkers. We are all devastated at this incredible loss.”
Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll praised David’s service, saying, “Wayne is a true hero to the District of Columbia, and today he gave his life to serve the visitors and the residents here. We will never forget that.”
The ongoing investigation is focused on identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for discarding the firearm. Police have released images of a suspect described as a male with long dreadlocks, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident, emphasizing the dangers faced by police officers 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,” Bowser wrote on X.
