DC police officer shot while recovering gun from storm drain

WASHINGTON - A D.C. police officer has died after a gun he recovered misfired and accidentally shot him Wednesday in Northeast. 

MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described the incident as a "tragic situation." 

He explained that around 5:40 p.m., officers from the Violent Crimes Suppression Division were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 4500 block of Quarles Street. When officers approached, Carroll said a man exited the vehicle and ran off. 

The suspect jumped onto the southbound I-295 roadway, where he was seen placing a firearm inside a storm drain. 

Despite efforts to stop him, the suspect managed to escape on a motorcycle. 

He was described as a Black male with long dreadlocks, wearing a white shirt and light-colored blue shorts.

Photo via Metropolitan Police Department

While officers attempted to recover the firearm from the storm drain, the weapon discharged, striking one of the officers. 

The officer, who eventually succumbed to his injuries, was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. 

"This is a very tragic circumstance. My heart goes out to the officers who put their lives on the line and the family of the officer who was injured in this incident," Carroll said.

The incident prompted a substantial response from DC Police, Metro Transit Police, and other emergency services, especially around Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

A traffic advisory was issued for southbound DC-295 near Eastern Avenue, NE, but the lanes have since reopened. 

Residents are urged to stay clear of the area and follow any instructions from the Metropolitan Police Department.

FOX 5's Bob Barnard and Josh Rosenthal contributed to this report.