3 DC Officers Shot in Southeast, Gunfire Persists – NBC4
TL/DR –
Three D.C. police officers were shot and wounded while serving an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals. The suspect barricaded themselves inside a house, continuing to fire at the police and prompting a lockdown in the surrounding area, including multiple schools. Despite the lockdown, both the head of the police union and D.C.’s police chief have asked the D.C. Council to take action on crime and pass a comprehensive bill that increases penalties for gun crimes.
Update on Wounded D.C. Police Officers
Three D.C. police officers have been shot and injured, and a shooter continues to fire from a residential house in Southeast D.C. on Wednesday, according to police.
The officers were carrying out an arrest warrant for animal cruelty when the suspect began shooting. The shooter remains barricaded in the house, continuing to fire at police and prompting the lockdown of several nearby schools.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief, Pamela Smith, confirmed the ongoing situation during a news conference at 10:15 a.m., urging the public to avoid the area.
Officers Under Fire
Police attempted to serve the warrant at a home on Hanna Place SE, near Benning Road and the Maryland border, at around 7:30 a.m. However, the individual inside refused to leave the property and opened fire on the officers attempting to gain entry, according to police reports.
The condition of the three shot officers is not life-threatening. One officer was shot in the hand, another in the foot, and the third officer was hit twice but his ballistic gear prevented injury. An additional officer was injured but not shot, sources report.
Local residents captured the sound of the gunfire, with at least 25 shots fired. It is unclear whether more than one person was involved in the shooting.
The officers injured were rushed to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment.
Identity of the Shooter
The identity of the shooter is still unknown and it’s unclear if there are others inside the house. There may be dogs present, according to Chief Smith. Police negotiators are currently communicating with the suspect.
The Humane Rescue Alliance, who was present during the warrant servicing, released a statement expressing their support for the police and concern for the safety of officers, community members, and animals.
Schools on Lockdown
Two nearby schools, Garfield Elementary School and Plummer Elementary School, were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Parents expressed their shock and concern over the incident.
Call for Action from D.C. Council
Both D.C.’s police chief and the police union chairman have called on D.C. Council to take action against crime following the incident. The council recently gave initial approval to a comprehensive crime bill, known as Secure DC, aimed at increasing penalties for gun crimes.
Smith highlights the importance of the bill, particularly increasing penalties for firearms, while the police union chairman calls for more officers to be hired, citing an existing shortfall of 500 officers.
The potential impact of these proposed legislative actions on preventing incidents like this one remains unclear.
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