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WASHINGTON - D.C. police say three officers are in stable condition after being shot by a gunman inside an apartment building in northeast Washington. The shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the i-5 Union Market apartment building in the 300 block of Florida Avenue.
Where did the shooting that injured three police officers happen?
What we know:
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said officers responded to a report of a man with a gun who fired shots inside of the lobby. When officers arrived, they made contact with the suspect who suddenly ran and fled into an elevator. Additional officers responded to the scene, and a few minutes later, the suspect reemerged from the elevator.
"Officers attempt to take the man into custody at that time when he produced a firearm," Smith said. "During the struggle, the suspect fired, discharged his gun at the officers and the officers returned fire, striking the suspect."
Aashima Jain is a student at George Washington University and lives near the apartment complex.
"It’s not like this. It’s definitely not like this, so when we heard about this…me and my roommate, we were like…this does not happen in NoMa. This doesn’t happen here, because it’s so calm here," Jain said. "It’s just not like this, especially i5? Being at i5 is crazy, because we were going to choose this apartment building. Glad we didn’t now."
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What is the condition of the officers who were shot?
What they're saying:
Smith said three officers sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals. She said they are in stable condition. Smith said other officers tried to provide life-saving measures to the suspect, but he died at the scene.
Smith added that the shooting is being investigated by their internal affairs division. "The case will be independently reviewed by the US Attorney’s office. The officers have been placed on administrative leave, per our agency’s policy."
"What I will say is this is yet another reminder of the daily dangers that we face every day in our city and across the U.S.," Smith said. "I'm very grateful that our officers were able to get through this particular incident without any further injuries."
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Gregg Pemberton, chairman of the D.C. Police Union, works as a detective with the police department. According to Pemberton, the shooting Monday morning was a reminder of how dangerous job remains despite crime improving.
"What we’re doing is comparing that to 2023, which is a 30-year high in most violent crime categories. While the numbers have trended down, and that is something to be thankful for, I think it’s premature to be doing victory laps," he said.
Pemberton added, staffing in general remains a concern.
The i5 Union Market apartment building sent a notice to residents about the inicident.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news of a tragic incident in our community earlier today. A resident was involved in an altercation with law enforcement and has unfortunately passed away," the statement reads. "We understand this news is deeply upsetting, and we want to assure you that we take our responsibility to protect the privacy of all residents very seriously … Thanks to the quick thinking and swift action of those present, the situation was contained and handled immediately."
The building said it will be hosting a community meeting on Wednesdav, January 15 at 6 p.m. with MPD Lieutenant Hakir, who is leading the case, to provide clarity and address concerns.
This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 5 for the latest.
The Source: Metropolitan Police Department and FOX 5 contributed to this report.