DC police officer accidentally shot while retrieving gun from sewer

A Washington, DC, police officer died Wednesday from a gunshot wound while attempting to rescue someone from a sewer when a shot was accidentally fired.

The officer, Wayne David, was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department for more than 25 years, said Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll.

“Wayne is a true hero for the District of Columbia and today he gave his life to serve the visitors and residents here,” Carroll said. “We will never forget that.”

Carroll said Wednesday that officers saw someone get out of a suspicious vehicle on the northeast side of the city, run away on foot and jump onto Interstate 295. Officers saw the person throw a gun into a sewer before fleeing in the back of a motorcycle, he said.

Police were trying to pull the gun from the drain when it went off, striking the officer at least once, Carroll said. Police are searching for the suspect who threw the gun into the drain, he said.