WASHINGTON – Police have released surveillance images of a man who allegedly threw a gun into a sewer in Washington, D.C. One shot accidentally went off, killing a police officer as he tried to retrieve the weapon.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday when officers with the city's robbery prevention unit were combing the area of the 4500 block of Quarles Street and saw a person they believed to be a suspect exit a suspicious vehicle. Officers attempted to make contact with the man, but he fled.
Police said they saw the man run south toward Interstate 295 and jump off a retaining wall. Moments later, officers saw the man place a firearm in a sewer before fleeing the area on the back of a motorcycle.
During the investigation, officers said, they went to the sewer to recover the firearm. As one of the officers, Wayne David, attempted to recover the weapon as evidence, a shot was accidentally fired.
READ MORE: Officials in the Washington area mourn the death of a police officer who was killed when a shot went off from the weapon he was trying to retrieve
Surveillance images show suspect throwing away weapon used to kill police officer: Police
Police have released surveillance images of a man who allegedly threw a gun into a sewer in Washington, D.C. One shot accidentally went off, killing a police officer as he tried to retrieve the weapon.
David was hit by an accidental gunshot. Other officers immediately tended to him until he was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital. David later succumbed to his injuries.
Police say surveillance cameras captured images of the suspect. Anyone with information or who recognizes the man is asked to call police at 202-727-9099.
Regional officials praised Officer David and expressed their condolences to his family.
READ MORE: Experienced DC police officer dies on duty after accidental shooting
Surveillance images show suspect throwing away gun used to kill officer (DC Police)
DC Police Chief Pamela Smith said David was the “epitome of a great police officer.”
“He was a dedicated and highly respected member of the department and this is a tremendous loss for all of us,” she said in a statement.
“Not only was he a police officer, but he was a good man – and a great father – who many people loved and looked up to,” DC Mayor Bowser said in a statement.
David was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department for over 25 years and was awarded the MPD Ribbon of Valor.
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