Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, August 28, 2024) – A veteran D.C. police officer is dead, shot accidentally while handling a gun tossed by a suspect on the run. Executive Assistant Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll announced Wednesday night that officer Wayne David, a 25 year veteran of the department and a member of the violent crime suppression team for 15 years, died of injuries he sustained while retrieving a firearm from near a storm drain on DC-295 South.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that investigator Wayne David passed away this evening here at the hospital ,” said Carroll while speaking outside Washington Medstar Hospital Wednesday night.

Carroll said the drama began around 6 p.m. after officers with the department’s violent crime suppression division attempted to stop a person who they believed was suspicious. Carroll added that the man ran onto the freeway and placed a firearm on the side of a storm drain and fled on the back of a motorcycle. As officers attempted to recover the gun, the firearm went off.

“Wayne has recovered hundreds of guns across the city. Our hearts go out to him, his family, his daughter, his son and other family members. Wayne was a true hero and today he gave his life to serve the visitors and the residents of the District of Columbia and we will never forget that,” added Carroll.

Wayne’s death is considered a line of duty death. Carroll said the city will be having the appropriate honors to honor Wayne’s legacy.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said on X “this is a horrible reminder of the dangers our officers face every day. We are grateful for their service.”

Police have released a photo of the suspect seen fleeing the area. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099.