D.C. Police Officer Wayne David died Wednesday night after he accidentally suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound while trying to retrieve a weapon from a storm drain, police have announced.
Officers were responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle when a man jumped out of a car, ran onto the I-295 freeway and placed the gun in a storm drain, ABC News has learned. The suspect then fled the scene on the back of a motorcycle.
When the officer then tried to retrieve the weapon, it went off, hitting David – a 25-year veteran of the police force – in the upper body. Other officers rendered aid and David was taken to a local hospital.
Executive Assistant Chief of D.C. Police Jeffery Caroll told reporters earlier in the day that David — a crime scene investigation officer — was “trained to recover evidence and firearms” and had received “hundreds of guns” during his career.
Pamela A. Smith, the DC police chief, said in a statement: “Our hearts are heavy tonight following the tragic loss of one of our own.”
“Investigator Wayne David, a seasoned MPD officer, lost his life in the line of duty. There are few words to express the pain and hurt that Officer David’s family and the entire MPD are feeling right now.”
“Detective 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.”
“For more than 25 years, Investigator David dedicated his life to protecting and protecting the District of Columbia. He served with passion and honor and was held in the utmost respect by his peers.”
“I will be forever grateful for Detective David’s service to the Metropolitan Police Department and his life will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
Police are still searching for the suspect who left the gun and said there is no indication the man knew the motorcyclist whose vehicle he fled on. The department has released a picture of the suspect.
ABC News’ Beatrice Peterson contributed to this report.