DC OFFICER WAYNE DAVID, ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER A GUN FROM STORM DRAIN, WAS KILLED WHEN THE GUN DISCHARGED

The Metropolitan Police Department is deeply saddened to announce the death of Investigator Wayne David after he was injured attempting to recover a firearm from a storm drain when it discharged.

Other officers immediately began providing care, and he was transported by the Metropolitan Police Department’s helicopter to an area hospital, where he later died.

Investigator David is a 25-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department. He joined MPD in December 1998 and was assigned to the Third District after he graduated from the police academy. In November 2007, Investigator David went to the Gun Recovery Unit. He was then assigned as an investigator in the Violent Crime Suppression Division in 2021. Investigator David’s commitment and dedication to the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia will never be forgotten.

MPD’s Family Support Team is coordinating with the family and more information regarding arrangements will be forthcoming.

“Our hearts are heavy after the tragic loss of one of our own,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “For more than 25 years, Investigator David dedicated his life to protecting and safeguarding the District of Columbia and was the epitome of a great officer. He served with passion and honor and had the utmost respect of his peers. I will be forever grateful for Investigator David’s service to the Metropolitan Police Department.”

The Metropolitan Police Department would like to thank our local and federal partners for their assistance in responding to this incident.

REWARD OF UP TO $50,000 FOR ASSISTANCE IN TRACKING DIRTBAG WHO TOSSED GUN

The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the line-of-duty death of an officer while he was attempting to recover a gun from a storm drain on I-295. MPD, FBI, and ATF are joining to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information in this case.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers from our Robbery Suppression Unit were canvassing the area of the 4500 block of Quarles Street, Northeast, when they saw a man exit a suspicious vehicle. Officers attempted to make contact with the man, but he fled.

Officers witnessed the man run towards I-295 southbound and jump down from a retaining wall. Moments later, officers were able to see the man place a firearm in a storm drain. The man fled the area on the back of a motorcycle.

During the investigation, officers went to the storm drain to recover the firearm. While one of the officers was attempting to retrieve the firearm as evidence, the gun discharged striking the officer. Other officers immediately began providing care and the officer was transported by the Metropolitan Police Department’s helicopter to an area hospital, where he later died. The Metropolitan Police Department asks that you keep the officers’ family in your thoughts and prayers.

An updated image of the suspect can be seen in the photo slideshow above in white shirt: