WASHINGTON, D.C. — A fatal shooting involving police unfolded in Southeast Washington early Sunday morning, prompting an investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau.
The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on September 1 in the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue Southeast, where officers responded to a report of a vehicle crash. Upon arriving, they found a vehicle that had collided with a commercial building, causing minor damage. Inside, the driver, identified as 26-year-old Justin Robinson of Southeast D.C., was unresponsive, with a firearm visible.
As additional officers arrived, Robinson began to move inside the vehicle. Officers noticed that he was armed and issued commands for him to drop the weapon.
When officers approached the vehicle with their service weapons drawn, Robinson allegedly grabbed one of the officer’s firearms. In response, two officers discharged their weapons, striking Robinson. Despite immediate efforts by DC Fire and EMS, Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Robinson’s weapon was recovered, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, in line with department policy.
Body-worn camera footage of the incident will be released as required by law. The shooting is under investigation by the MPD’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, with an independent review being conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or submit tips anonymously via the TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
