Forest Heights Police cruiser crashes in Southeast DC, video shows

WASHINGTON — A Forest Heights Police cruiser crashed in a tree in Southeast D.C. during a pursuit Sunday night. Surveillance video is raising concerns for people who live in the neighborhood where the crash happened.

Dispatch audio indicates that Maryland police officers were pursuing a car following an armed carjacking that occurred in Prince George's County.

Surveillance video obtained by WUSA9 shows a white sedan speeding through the 1900 block of 16th Street Southeast at around 8 p.m. Moments later, the Forest Heights Police cruiser is seen crashing into the tree. 

Witnesses and dispatch audio say that the officer driving the cruiser was not injured in the crash. 

Other Forest Heights and Prince George's County police cars are seen chasing the white car. 

Neighbors say the incident took them by surprise but it also drew safety concerns. One neighbor, who did not want to be identified, questioned if the police chase was warranted because it put other residents in danger. 

"There's usually people walking here. There are small children that live here. That could have been one of my neighbors cars," she said. 

In the surveillance video, both the white car and the police cars are seen driving in the wrong direction of the one-way street. 

Neighbors also pointed out that the speed at which the cars were driving would have made it difficult for drivers or pedestrians to get out of the path of the traveling cars. 

Other residents questioned why Maryland police officers were conducting what they believe to be a high-speed chase in D.C. streets. There is no word if anyone was taken into custody following the pursuit, or what charges they may be facing.

WUSA9 made several attempts to reach out to Forest Heights Police for comment but were unable to get a response. 

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