A veteran police officer with over 25 years of service in Washington, D.C., tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Wednesday. Investigator Wayne David of the Metropolitan Police Department passed away after accidentally shooting himself while trying to recover a firearm from a storm drain during a police chase.
According to MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll, Investigator David was a dedicated member of the Violent Crimes Suppression Division and had made significant contributions to keeping the streets safe. The incident occurred when a suspect discarded a gun during a pursuit on Interstate 295, leading David to attempt to retrieve the weapon.
Unfortunately, the firearm discharged, striking David in the upper body. Despite receiving immediate aid from his colleagues at the scene, he was later pronounced dead at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
MPD Chief Pamela Smith praised Investigator David as an exemplary officer who was highly respected within the department. David had been instrumental in recovering numerous firearms during his tenure with the Violent Crimes Suppression Unit since 2017.
The suspect involved in the incident, described as a black male with long locks, managed to escape the scene on a motorcycle. Police are actively seeking information to apprehend the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
Investigator David, who leaves behind a daughter, a son, and his girlfriend, is being honored as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the community. MPD officials have declared his death a line-of-duty fatality and are planning to commemorate his legacy with ceremonies and tributes.
Members of the police force gathered outside the hospital to mourn the loss of their colleague, highlighting David's role as a mentor and well-liked figure within the department. Chief Carroll expressed condolences to David's family and emphasized the profound impact of his passing on both the MPD and the community.
