One Dead, Two Officers on Leave After Southeast D.C. Shooting

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — A man is dead and two officers are on administrative leave following a police shooting in Southeast D.C. early Sunday morning.

The incident took place at the intersection of 25th Street and Marion Barry Avenue, an area typically bustling on Sunday mornings. This time, however, the streets were cornered off with yellow police tape as patrol cars and investigators surrounded the scene.

“Shortly after 5:30 a.m., our 7th District officers were called to the McDonald’s on this block for a report of a crash,” said D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith, who spoke at the scene.

Smith explained that when officers arrived, they found a car had crashed into the side of the building, causing minor damage. The driver, still inside the car, was unresponsive, and officers noticed a firearm in his possession. Additional officers were called to the scene.

“A short time later, the driver began moving inside the car,” Smith said. “Officers then engaged, instructing him to drop the weapon.”

When asked for clarification, Smith added, “He had his weapon in his hand. He was told to drop the weapon. Our officers extended their firearms, and at that point, the suspect grabbed his weapon.”

That’s when officers opened fire, according to police. D.C. Fire and EMS, already at the scene, immediately provided aid to the driver, but he was pronounced dead on-site. No officers were injured.

A woman who lives in a nearby building, who declined to be identified on camera, said she heard multiple shots and took cover.

As the investigation continues, the department’s Internal Affairs Division and Criminal Investigation Division are working together to determine what led to the shooting.

“We have recovered the suspect’s weapon here at the scene,” Smith said. “At this time, we do not know if intoxication was a factor.”

The case will also be handed over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further review.

Body-worn camera footage from the officers involved is currently being reviewed. Per department policy, the two officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave.