Washington Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith provides details of the shooting of an officer Thursday.Washington Metropolitan Police Department social media
A Washington, D.C., police officer was shot, and a second officer injured Thursday afternoon when they responded to the report of a dispute between an armed man and two women. The suspect was killed when police returned fire.
Chief Pamela A. Smith, in a media briefing, said just before 5 p.m. the dispatchers received two calls reporting a man with a gun arguing with two females.
When officers arrived at the location, the man fled, and officers gave chase on foot.
“While they are running, there's an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and at least two of our officers. One officer and the suspect were struck by gunfire,” explained Smith.
The chief said one officer was transported to an area hospital suffering from a gunshot wound, and later that night was listed in stable condition. A second officer was also transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A third officer sustained a minor injury and was treated at the scene.
Following the shooting, officers rendered aid to the suspect until paramedics arrive. That male suspect later was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Smith said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responded to the scene and assisted police with processing the weapon and tracing its origin.
“Today's incident is another reminder of the dangers that our officers face each day we're dealing with illegal firearms in our city,” Smith said.
