Safe Passage worker dead after shooting near Coolidge High School

WASHINGTON - D.C. police are searching for a suspect who shot a Safe Passage worker outside a school Monday at 3:00 pm. 

Police said the Safe Passage worker – who has been identified as 36-year-old Michael Gaddis – was involved in some kind of fight with the suspect near the 500 Block of Somerset Place, NW, and moments later was shot. Gaddis, a Northwest native, later died, D.C. police confirmed Tuesday morning.

Coolidge High School, Ida B. Wells Middle School and Whittier Elementary School, which are all in the vicinity, were placed on lockdown, according to officials. 

"Anytime it hits this close to our children, it's even more egregious," said Commander Carlos Heraud, D.C. police District 4 commander. "Children should be able to come to school, be safe while they are at school, and leave school safely."

Police said the victim was not on duty at the time, and officials were unable to confirm if he was on his way to begin a shift at the school. 

This is the second shooting in the area in the last few days. D.C. Police responded to a shooting just a block away on Jan. 27. 

"It's normal. I hate to say it, but it's normal," said Gina Ramirez who lives just a couple of blocks from where the shooting took place.

"Definitely around schools, there should be more police people, and I have seen more police officers come when school starts to get out but there definitely should be more considering it's kind of normal," Ramirez said of shootings in the neighborhood. 

Officials have not released a description of the suspect or the suspect's vehicle. D.C. police said they have at least one piece of surveillance video but are looking to get more from people who live in the area. 

The lockdown was lifted by 4:20 p.m., according to a D.C. Public Schools official. 

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.