A police officer who spent more than 25 years helping to get guns off the streets in Washington, D.C., died Wednesday after accidentally shooting himself while trying to retrieve a gun from a storm drain after police chased a suspect.
Metropolitan Police Department Investigator Wayne David died Wednesday, MPD Executive Deputy Chief Wayne David said. Jeff Carroll said outside MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where David was treated before succumbing to his injuries.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Investigator Wayne David, who was assigned to our Violent Crimes Suppression Division, passed away this afternoon here at the hospital,” Carroll said.
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MPD Executive Deputy Chief Jeff Carroll said outside MedStar Washington Hospital Center that investigator Wayne David was killed in the line of duty. (DC Police X)
“Wayne was a true hero for the District of Columbia. Today he gave his life to serve visitors and residents here in the District of Columbia, and we will never forget him.”
David was attempting to retrieve a firearm that had reportedly been discarded by a suspect during a chase along Interstate 295. The gun Wayne attempted to retrieve discharged, striking him in the upper body, MPD said.
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His colleagues assisted him at the scene before taking him to hospital, where he was declared dead.
MPD Chief Pamela Smith said David “was the epitome of a great officer” who was dedicated and a “highly respected member of the department.”
Metropolitan Police Department Investigator Wayne David was killed Wednesday while trying to recover a firearm that a suspect reportedly left behind following a police chase. (iStock)
According to police in a news release, an officer observed a vehicle on Quarles Street and attempted to stop the suspect, at which point the suspect jumped out of the vehicle, resulting in a foot chase.
The suspect jumped from the service road area (Douglass Street NE and the Kenilworth Avenue service road) onto southbound Interstate 295. As he jumped, the suspect dropped the firearm into a storm drain, police said.
The suspect, described as a black man with long hair, fled the area on the back of a motorcycle.
One person is believed to have placed a gun in a storm drain while fleeing from officers. (Metropolitan Police Department)
David retrieved the firearm before accidentally shooting himself. He was airlifted to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police are seeking leads to locate the suspect and the incident remains under investigation.
David had been part of the MPD Violent Crimes Suppression Unit since 2017 and had helped recover hundreds of weapons during that time.
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Members of the police force began gathering outside the hospital before receiving the news that David had died. He was a mentor to many of them and much loved, according to Fox5DC.
“This is a very tragic loss for our department and our community,” Carroll said. “Our hearts go out to his family at this incredibly difficult time.”
David is survived by a daughter, a son and his girlfriend. Carroll said his death is considered a line-of-duty death and the MPD is committed to honoring his legacy with ceremonies and memorials.
