A National Guard member was shot in the leg while trying to break up a fight in south-east Washington DC, with three fellow guardsmen returning fire and hitting the suspected gunman, police said.
The incident took place at about 11.10pm on Sunday, October 18, in front of a DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services station in the 400 block of 8th Street SE. Police said there was no continuing threat to the public.
Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said seven or eight National Guard members were travelling in a van when they saw a fight involving several people. The group got out to intervene, but one of those involved allegedly produced a firearm and began shooting.
The guardsmen ordered the man to drop his weapon, police said. He instead pointed the gun towards them and opened fire, prompting three National Guard members to shoot back.
The suspect was struck in the abdomen. The injured guardsman was shot in the leg and taken to hospital, where he was later released. Both men were expected to survive.
Firefighters brought the two wounded men inside the station before calling police. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division and Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the circumstances of the exchange of gunfire.
Police believe the original altercation began inside a nearby establishment. Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.
