DC nightclub chaos ends in police shooting after suspect returns and targets officers with car
WASHINGTON, DC – A dispute over a nightclub entrance fee escalated into a high-speed chase and an officer-involved shooting early Sunday, after a man allegedly threatened to return with a gun — and later drove his vehicle toward officers and pedestrians outside a Northeast DC venue.
Around 1:30 a.m., Fifth District officers were called to the 1800 block of New York Avenue NE following reports that a man had made threats after being denied entry to a nightclub. The suspect had attempted to get in with a guest, became irate over a cover charge, and allegedly warned club security that he would return armed. He left the scene in a vehicle.
While officers were still speaking with staff, the suspect suddenly returned and drove toward the nightclub’s entrance, where both security and officers were gathered. MPD said officers issued multiple loud verbal commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle, but he instead reversed and sped off.
Police began canvassing the area. Minutes later, the same vehicle reappeared on New York Avenue. Officers again attempted to stop the car and gave commands for the driver to exit, but the suspect allegedly drove forward toward pedestrians before reversing toward one of the officers.
At that moment, another officer standing beside the car opened fire, discharging their service weapon multiple times.
The suspect fled again at high speed and later crashed in the 3400 block of New York Avenue NE. Officers found him conscious and breathing with multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS transported the man to a nearby hospital. No one else was injured.
The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was arrested on a charge of felony assault on a police officer. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard protocol. MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the Force Investigations Team are handling the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident.
Body-worn camera footage will be released in accordance with District of Columbia law.
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Key Points
- Man allegedly threatened nightclub staff, then returned and drove toward officers and pedestrians
- Officer opened fire as the suspect reversed vehicle toward MPD officer
- Suspect was hospitalized and arrested for felony assault on a police officer
