A tragic shooting early Monday morning in Northeast Washington, D.C., resulted in the death of a 45-year-old man and the injury of three D.C. police officers. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the deceased as Derrick Williams, a resident of the i5 Union Market apartment building, located on the 300 block of Florida Avenue.
The incident unfolded just after 4:30 a.m. on January 13 when officers responded to a call reporting a man armed with a gun. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with Williams, who fled into the building’s elevator. Additional officers were called in to assist in locating him within the building. Shortly after, Williams reappeared in the lobby, where a confrontation took place.
During the struggle, Williams reportedly began firing at the officers, prompting them to return fire. Williams was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Three officers were injured during the altercation and were transported to the hospital. As of Tuesday, two of the officers had been released, while the third remained hospitalized, though their injuries were not life-threatening.
As part of the investigation, MPD recovered a firearm from the scene. In accordance with departmental policy, all three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The Criminal Investigations Division is handling the investigation, while the Internal Affairs Bureau’s Force Investigations Team is reviewing the incident. Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the case.
Residents of the i5 Union Market building, where Williams lived, expressed concern about the increasing crime in the area. Some neighbors voiced frustration and indicated they might consider relocating due to safety worries. The local community is still processing the tragic events and the risks that officers face when responding to armed suspects.
The MPD has pledged transparency as the investigations continue, and further details are expected to be released. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face in their line of duty, particularly when confronted with armed individuals. The public awaits further information to understand the full context of the deadly confrontation.