An early morning confrontation outside a Northeast nightclub escalated into an officer-involved shooting yesterday, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The incident unfolded in the 1800 block of New York Avenue, Northeast, when a suspect attempted to re-enter the nightclub after leaving the scene of an earlier dispute involving an entrance fee.
The MPD reported that Fifth District officers arrived at approximately 1:30 a.m. in response to threats made by the suspect, who had indicated they might return with a firearm. The suspect, after threatening the club's security, initially left the area in a vehicle. Later, as the officers interviewed security personnel, the suspect drove back toward the nightclub, acting in a manner that prompted officers to issue multiple commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle. Instead, the suspect reversed the car rapidly and fled the scene, an action that triggered a brief pursuit by the officers.
Following a short chase, the suspect again approached the nightclub. This time, they drove towards the club's entrance where pedestrians were present, and then reversed in the direction of an MPD officer, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department. Another officer, stationed beside the vehicle, discharged their service weapon multiple times, prompting the suspect to drive off at a high rate of speed.
The situation culminated when the suspect crashed their vehicle in the 3400 block of New York Avenue, Northeast. Officers found the suspect with multiple gunshot wounds, but conscious and breathing. The press release detailed that the suspect received immediate medical attention upon transport by DC Fire and EMS to an area hospital. According to MPD, no other injuries occurred as a result of the incident.
Currently, the suspect faces charges including Felony Assault on a Police Officer, with additional charges pending further investigation. The MPD has announced that the officers involved in the shooting are now on administrative leave, which is standard protocol. In accordance with D.C. law, body-worn camera footage will be released following a review process. The Internal Affairs Bureau’s Force Investigations Team is investigating the shooting, and the case will also undergo an independent review by the United States Attorney’s Office. The MPD is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and contact them directly.
