WASHINGTON — A would-be robber is dead and an accomplice is in police custody following an exchange of gunfire with D. C. police Monday morning.
The pair was attempting to rob a liquor store in the 7800 block of Georgia Avenue NW about 9 a.m. when police interrupted. One of the robbers fired at responding officers, who shot back, killing the shooter, D.C. police say.
“The officers didn’t even have a chance to really get out of their cars before the suspect opened fire,” Police Chief Cathy Lanier said.
Lanier said the officers were shaken up but were not harmed.
“It’s not a choice sometimes. And it seems like, in this case, it wasn’t a choice,” she said of the officer’s decision to shoot at the robbery suspects.
The second robbery suspect was taken into custody a few blocks away. It was not clear if that individual will face any charges.
No names have been released.
The liquor store sits in a neighborhood near the Maryland state line.
A block down the street, Pim Linders could hear the gunfire.
“I opened up the window this morning and I just heard a bunch of gunshots. I was shocked… This is the first time I’ve actually heard any gunshots in this area. So it’s very unusual.”
WTOP’s Jamie Forzato contributed to this report.
