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National Guard member shot in DC; treated at hospital and released
A National Guard member and a suspect were shot late Sunday night as Guard members attempted to break up a fight in southeast Washington, according to D.C. police.
WASHINGTON - A National Guard member and a suspect were shot late Sunday night as Guard members attempted to break up a fight in Southeast Washington, according to D.C. police.
FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick reports that D.C. police say there is no ongoing threat to the community, and both the suspect and the injured National Guard member are expected to survive.
In an update shortly before 3 p.m., D.C. Police identified the shooting suspect as 41-year-old Jerrell Jackson, of Southeast, D.C. He was arrested and charged with the following:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault on a police officer and emergency personnel
- Carrying a pistol without a license
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Timeline:
Authorities said the incident occurred around 11:10 p.m. in front of a D.C. Fire and EMS station on 8th Street SE.
D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said a group of seven to eight National Guard members were patrolling the area in a van when they noticed a street fight underway outside a business in the Barracks Row neighborhood. Authorities said it is believed the altercation began inside the business.
The Guard members got out of the vehicle to intervene when the suspect began shooting, police say. Guard members instructed the suspect – now identified as Jackson – to drop the firearm, but he reportedly fired at the Guard members as he tried to run away. One of the National Guard members was shot in the leg as a result.
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National Guard member shot in DC
A National Guard member and a suspect were shot late Sunday night as Guard members attempted to break up a fight in southeast Washington, according to D.C. police.
According to police, three National Guard members returned fire, hitting Jackson in the abdomen.
Both men were brought inside the fire station, and firefighters called police to the scene. According to police, the injured Guard member and Jackson were both taken to a nearby hospital by DC Fire and EMS for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Guard member was released soon after.
According to police, Jackson's firearm was recovered at the scene.
(Courtesy of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department)
As with all officer-involved shootings, the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau’s Force Investigations Team has launched an investigation.
A report of the incident from the U.S. Marshals Service said there were at least 14 shell casings recovered from the incident. According to the report, Jackson has previously been convicted of two counts of assault of a police officer, one count of carrying a pistol without a license and three parole violations.
What they're saying:
"We are praying this National Guard member has a quick and speedy recovery. The suspect in the shooting has a lengthy rap sheet including two counts of assault of a police officer, illegally carrying a pistol, and multiple parole violations," a White House spokesperson said in a statement. "Thanks to the President’s Safe and Beautiful Task Force violent crime in the city has drastically decreased. D.C. residents and visitors are thankful for all the Task Force has done to drive down crime and make our nation’s capital safe again."
The incident prompted calls for stronger police presence in the area and renewed questions about the National Guard deployment.
The shell casings were found near Café 8 Bar, which D.C. Councilman Charles Allen said he wants shut down due to a history of violence.
"I know MPD has had to put a lot of resources into this corridor," Allen said. "I know my other businesses in the corridor are sick and tired of it, and my residents are sick and tired of it."
The front door of a smoke shop was shot out during the incident. The owner of the shop told FOX 5 that their security camera captured the shooting, and they are turning the video over to police.
"I was briefed during the night, and again this morning, and my understanding at this stage in the investigation is that there was a dispute with some gunplay," said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
It was a busy weekend for police, with shootings reported near Howard University, U Street and Connecticut Avenue.
In Barracks Row, neighbors are thankful the guard member survived, while others are still questioning their D.C. deployment.
"We do have some challenges that every once in a while do happen on this street; I mean, we are in a city," said neighbor Brian Ready.
"What are they here for? Be honest, what are they here for," another neighbor questioned.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact D.C. police.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Metropolitan Police Department.