WASHINGTON, DC – Early morning gunfire erupted in the southeast quadrant of the nation’s capital, leading to an officer-involved shooting and the apprehension of two suspects, according to information from Michael Reese, Chief of Police for the D.C. Housing Authority.
The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. in the vicinity of Carroll Apartments on M Street SE, close to the Navy Yard. A seasoned officer came across the male and female suspects during his regular patrol. After being asked to vacate the premises, the male suspect, who was armed, shot at the officer, wounding him in the torso.
The suspects then made their escape to a nearby building located in the 900 block of U Street, NW. The armed male suspect and his female companion barricaded themselves inside. After a standoff lasting several hours, police managed to take both suspects into custody.
The incident prompted a substantial response from law enforcement, including both Housing Authority Police and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department. The increased police presence led to road closures in the area and a two-hour delay at the nearby Van Ness Elementary School. Students were evacuated from the school and relocated to Jefferson Elementary School with police assistance.
The injured officer, who was wearing a protective vest at the time of the shooting, was transported to a local hospital. He is currently in stable condition and alert, according to a statement from the Housing Authority.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep their homes secure while the investigation was underway. The D.C. Housing Authority Police, led by former D.C. police commander Michael Reese, provides security and patrols for the city’s public housing developments.
This incident marks the second time in four months that a Housing Authority police officer has been involved in a shooting. In October, an off-duty officer was shot on New York Avenue in Northeast Washington.