A D.C. police officer shot and wounded a domestic violence suspect on Georgia Avenue NW on Thursday morning after the man pulled out a gun and started firing, police said. The shooting occurred just before the mayor's office and the Metropolitan Police Department held a briefing at another location on how to respond to a spike in crime.
Officers were called to a “domestic violence incident” in the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue NW at about 10:30 a.m., Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith said. They had a description of the suspect.
The initial domestic violence call was related to an apartment building, police said. A man with a gun was reported but officers couldn’t get into the building. Thirty minutes later, there was a call for shots fired.
“The suspect produced a firearm and then fired shots. An MPD officer engaged the suspect, discharging their firearm and striking the individual," Smith said.
“I was at work and I heard an argument, saw somebody walk back toward Georgia Avenue toward the funeral home, and then all of the sudden I heard about five shots,” Jason McGuire of Maguire Funeral Home said.
The officer was not hurt. The suspect was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The suspect's gun was found, police said.
A number of officers could be seen surrounding a gas station in the block in the Shepherd Park neighborhood, a few blocks south of the D.C.-Maryland line. The 7400 block of Georgia Ave. NW and part of Geranium Avenue were closed at midday.
Police said in an update Friday that the wounded suspect is Javier Reyes-Lopez, 34, of Northwest, DC. He faces charges for alleged crimes including assault on an officer, domestic violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has a lawyer.
He was in critical but stable condition on Friday and is expected to survive, police said.
“Today’s incident is another reminder of the potential danger when a firearm is introduced into a domestic situation, and the dangers our officers face each day,” Smith said.
People who live and work in the area said they’re concerned about crime.
“Downstairs from me, there’s a bullet hole through the window. So, it’s crazy. This is a good neighborhood. I grew up around here, went to school around here, my business is here. I’m not used to that type of activity constantly happening,” one man said.
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Police did not immediately release the name of the officer who opened fire. Several sources said the officer has patrolled the area for years. They said they’re relieved he wasn’t hurt.
“Real decent officer. Fine. He’s one of the only officers I know that actually walks the beat,” one man said.
Police body camera video will be released within five days. The officer was placed on administrative leave, in line with police policy.
Violent crime is up 38% in the past year, MPD crime statistics show. Homicides are up 27%, with 131 people killed at the time last year and 166 this year during the same period.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
