As reported by WTOP, David was recovering a firearm thrown in the storm drain by a suspect his unit had pursued earlier in the day near DC-295 in the Kenilworth neighborhood when the gun went off at approximately 5:40 p.m., the shot striking him in the head. He was immediately transported to an area hospital where he later died. The suspect reportedly escaped capture.
In a statement posted to X, the DC Police Union broke down the incident, saying, "Earlier today, one of our members, a 25-year veteran, was pursuing an armed suspect on foot on the area of Quarles St NE and 295. The suspect discarded his handgun into a storm drain and made good his escape.
"When the officer attempted to retrieve the gun from the drain, the weapon discharged and the round struck the officer in the head. He was medevaced to an area hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, even under the care of the amazing doctors and nurses, all life saving efforts failed and the officer has passed. Please send your prayers to his family and coworkers. We are all devastated at this incredible loss."
On 08/24/24, Investigator Wayne David with @DCPoliceDept was assigned to a call involving a male. When officers attempted to question him, he fled & threw a firearm into a drain. When Investigator David attempted to retrieve it, it discharged & killing him.
— LawEnforcementToday (@LawEnforceToday) August 29, 2024
Rest in peace, hero. pic.twitter.com/Tz5AHn5uA6
The union shared a video of the police escort for Officer David.
D.C. Metro Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters at a Wednesday press conference, “This is a very tragic circumstance. Our heart goes out to the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department who go out here, day in and day out, and put their lives on the line.”Officer Wayne David is escorted by MPD Motors and many of his coworkers as he is transported to the OCME. pic.twitter.com/81MJ61MtEt
— DC Police Union (@DCPoliceUnion) August 29, 2024
Carroll went on to explain that the suspect was witnessed exiting a suspicious vehicle and when police approached he tossed the weapon, jumped down from the service road, and fled on a motorcycle successfully evading police.
“He has recovered hundreds of guns across the city. He has been the savior to … many people in our community,” Carroll said according to WTOP.
He added, “Wayne is a true hero to the District of Columbia tonight. Today, he gave his life to serve the visitors and the residents here in the District of Columbia, and we will never forget that. This is considered a line-of-duty death."
WJLA shared footage of the press conference to YouTube:According to Carroll, David leaves behind a son and daughter. Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters, “Investigator David was the epitome of a great officer. He was a dedicated and highly respected member of the department, and this is a tremendous loss for all of us.”
“Wayne is a true hero to the District of Columbia and today he gave his life to serve the visitors and the residents…” @DCPoliceDept Ofc. Wayne David, who accidentally shot himself on DC-295 has died. The suspect seen here is still on the run. @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/dYjuWBZvL4
— John Gonzalez (@John7News) August 29, 2024
The suspect is described as a black man with long dreads, last seen in a white shirt and light blue shorts. Fox 5's Homa Bash reported that a reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest. The DC Metro Police are asking anyone with information in this case to contact them at 202-727-9099.
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