Veteran DC cop dies in the line of duty Wednesday night

A police officer who helped clean up guns in Washington, D.C., for more than 25 years died Wednesday when he accidentally shot himself while trying to retrieve a weapon from a storm drain after police chased a suspect.

Metropolitan Police Department Investigator Wayne David died Wednesday, the MPD’s executive assistant chief Jeff Carroll said outside MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where David was treated before succumbing to his injuries.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that Detective Wayne David, assigned to our Violent Crimes Unit, passed away this evening here in the hospital,” Carroll said.

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MPD Executive Assistant 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 to the District of Columbia. Today he gave his life to serve the visitors and residents here in the District of Columbia, and that will never be forgotten.”

David was attempting to retrieve a firearm that was reportedly discarded by a suspect during a chase on Interstate 295. The gun Wayne was attempting to retrieve discharged, hitting him in the upper body, the MPD said.

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He received assistance at the scene from fellow officers and was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced 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.”

Detective Wayne David of the county’s Metropolitan Police Department was killed Wednesday while attempting to retrieve a firearm allegedly left behind by a suspect following a police chase. (iStock)

According to police, an officer saw a vehicle on Quarlesstraat and attempted to arrest the suspect. The suspect jumped out of the vehicle, after which a foot chase ensued.

The suspect jumped from the service road area (Douglass Street NE and the Kenilworth Avenue Service Road) onto Interstate-295 heading south. As he jumped down, the suspect dropped the firearm into a storm drain, police said.

The suspect, described as a black man with long hair, then fled on the back of a motorcycle.

It is believed that someone threw a weapon into a sewer while fleeing from officers. (Metropolitan Police)

David recovered the gun before accidentally shooting himself. He was airlifted to a local hospital, where he later died.

Police are looking for tips to help find the suspect. The incident is still under investigation.

Since 2017, David has served on the MPD’s Violent Crimes Suppression Unit, assisting in the seizure of hundreds of weapons.

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Police officers began to gather outside the hospital before receiving news that David had died. He was a mentor to many of them and loved, according to Fox5DC.

“This is a very tragic loss for our department and our community,” Carroll said. “Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

David is survived by a daughter, a son and his girlfriend. Carroll said the death is being treated as a line-of-duty death, and MPD promises to honor his legacy with ceremonies and tributes.