The U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia has wrapped up an inquiry into a fatal shooting incident that resulted in the death of a local man last November, clearing a U.S. Park Police officer of potential federal and local charges. The office said Monday that their investigation didn't turn up enough evidence to charge the officer with a federal crime or violation of Washington D.C. civil rights laws in connection with the shooting on M Street, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The shooting took place after Park Police officers, who suspected the 30-year-old man was involved in drug trafficking, attempted to approach him. This led to a foot chase which culminated in a confrontation in the 1100 block of M Street N.W. The individual, while struggling with one of the officers, managed to pull out a gun and open fire, shooting the officer. The officer, in turn, drew his weapon and fired back, fatally wounding the man. Both men were hit during the exchange, but the officer survived after receiving medical treatment, the statement detailed.
A thorough review was conducted by federal prosecutors, involving a multitude of evidence including crime-camera footage, body-worn camera recordings, and forensic reports. After examining the totality of the evidence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that it could not prove the officer willfully violated the civilian's rights. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers," the statement affirmed.
