An arrest has been made in connection with the accidental shooting death of D.C. police officer Wayne David.
Officers arrested 27-year-old Tyrell Lamonte Bailey on Wednesday night just before 10:30 p.m., police told WTOP.
He’s been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to police, officers with the department’s robbery suppression unit saw Bailey exiting a “suspicious vehicle” on Quarles Street NW on Aug. 28 at about 5:40 p.m. When officers approached him, he fled toward DC-295 southbound, jumped down from a retaining wall then and tossed a gun down a storm drain on the side of the road, police said.
David, a 25-year veteran of the force, attempted to retrieve the gun, but it went off, striking him. The D.C. police union said David was struck in the head.
David was rushed to the hospital by police helicopter and later died.
“I want to thank the members of the Metropolitan Police Department and express my appreciation for the community for their tips and information that led to identifying and the arrest of this individual,” said D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith in a statement. “Our focus is on honoring the memory and legacy of Investigator Wayne David and giving him an exceptional send off during his funeral services next week. Our department continues to heal, and we’ll continue to support the family as they grieve and heal.”
WTOP’s Jack Moore contributed to this report.
