Officer Wayne David, a 25-year veteran of the Washington, D.C., police force, was killed in a tragic incident on Wednesday after a firearm accidentally discharged while he attempted to retrieve it from a storm drain, the D.C. Police Union announced.
The fatal incident occurred when officers witnessed a suspect jump from a vehicle and toss a gun into a storm drain before fleeing on a motorcycle. While Officer David and his colleagues worked to recover the weapon, it discharged and struck David in the head. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, David did not survive.
The D.C. Police Union shared their grief on social media, stating, “Please send your prayers to his family and coworkers. We are all devastated at this incredible loss.”
Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll honored David’s service, calling him a “true hero” who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of D.C. residents and visitors.
The search for the suspect who discarded the gun is ongoing. Police have released images of a male suspect with long dreadlocks, last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser reflected on the tragic accident, emphasizing the daily risks faced by police officers. “While preliminary information indicates that the gunshot was the result of a tragic accident, this is a horrible reminder of the dangers our officers face every day. We are grateful for their service,” Bowser wrote on X.
