A police officer in Washington, D.C. died after accidentally shooting himself while attempting to retrieve a gun from a storm drain following a police chase. Investigator Wayne David, who spent over 25 years helping remove guns from the streets, was treated at MedStar Washington Hospital Center before succumbing to his injuries. Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll announced his passing and described David as a hero who gave his life to serve the District of Columbia. The incident occurred as David was trying to recover a firearm discarded by a suspect during a pursuit along Interstate 295, resulting in the gun discharging and striking him in the upper body.
Chief Pamela Smith praised David as a dedicated and respected member of the Metropolitan Police Department. The chase began when an officer attempted to pull over a suspect on Quarles Street, leading to a foot pursuit that saw the suspect drop the firearm into a storm drain while fleeing on a motorcycle. David recovered the gun but accidentally shot himself in the process. The suspect remains at large, and the incident is under investigation. David, who had been with the Violent Crimes Suppression Unit since 2017, was known for recovering hundreds of guns during his tenure.
Fellow officers gathered outside the hospital as David fought for his life, remembering him as a mentor and well-liked member of the force. Carroll described the loss as tragic and expressed condolences to David’s family. He leaves behind a daughter, son, and girlfriend. The death is being treated as a line-of-duty death, and MPD plans to honor his legacy with ceremonies and tributes. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer who gave his life in service to others.
The incident has highlighted the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty while working to keep communities safe and remove weapons from the streets. David’s sacrifice serves as a reminder of the risks involved in police work and the dedication shown by officers like him who put their lives on the line every day. The police department is seeking tips to locate the suspect involved in the chase, and the investigation continues to determine the circumstances surrounding David’s tragic death.
David’s passing has deeply affected his colleagues and the community at large, who are grieving the loss of a respected and dedicated officer. His commitment to serving the District of Columbia and his efforts in reducing gun violence have left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him. As the investigation progresses and efforts to locate the suspect continue, the legacy of Wayne David will be remembered through the tributes and ceremonies planned by MPD to honor his memory. His death serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the course of their duty.
