U.S. Park Police Officer Shot Undercover in D.C., Suspects Sought
A U.S. Park Police officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot Monday night in Washington, D.C., while operating an unmarked vehicle as part of an undercover investigation. The officer was transported to a local hospital, and authorities are currently searching for two suspects believed to be responsible for the shooting.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, in the vicinity of the 5000 block of Queens Stroll Place SE, also referred to as Drake Place Southeast, in the Marshall Heights neighborhood of Southeast D.C., near the Maryland border. The officer, who was the sole occupant of an unmarked white Tesla, was reportedly working undercover as part of an ongoing investigation when two individuals opened fire on the moving vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing two distinct firearms during the incident.
Following the shooting, the officer drove approximately half a mile from the initial scene to Benning Road SE near its intersection with Southern Avenue. The Tesla was observed with multiple bullet holes.
Officer's Condition and Response
The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Other officers provided initial first aid before a U.S. Park Police helicopter transported the injured officer to a local hospital for further treatment.
Suspects and Investigation
No suspects are currently in custody. Police have described the assailants as two Black males. One individual was reported to be wearing a white hoodie with blue jeans, while the other was dressed in all black with a white stripe on the sleeve and pant leg. Authorities are actively searching for these individuals.
The investigation is being led by D.C. police, with assistance from federal officials, including the FBI, which has confirmed its active support.
U.S. Park Police Chief Scott Brecht stated that the officer was ambushed, and Capt. James Dingeldein indicated that the suspects might have been aware that the victim was a police officer. Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll commented that the officer was targeted.
Official Acknowledgments and Public Advisory
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the incident on social media.
The ongoing investigation has led to several road closures in the area. These include the 5000 through 5100 block of Queens Stroll Place SE, the 5000 block of Benning Road SE from H Street to Southern Avenue SE, and the 4600 block of Hillside Road SE from Benning Road to 46th Street SE. The public has been advised to avoid these affected areas.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 202-727-9099.