Man shot dead by police after crashing car into McDonald's in Washington DC

A man was shot dead by police officers after he crashed his car into the side of a McDonald's in Washington DC .

Cops rushed to the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE, at around 5.30am on Sunday following a report of a car crash, Police Chief Pamela Smith said. Police found the vehicle had slammed into the fast food restaurant and the driver was unconscious in the car.

While inspecting the scene, officers saw a gun in the driver's lap and called for backup. According to a police statement, the suspect then became conscious and began moving inside the vehicle, before picking up the gun .

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Smith said officers told the man to drop the weapon, but eventually he also grabbed one officer's gun. Two officers then shot at him, "striking the suspect", said Smith. Despite carrying out lifesaving measures, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the man's weapon was recovered following the shooting and added they are still working to identify him and notify his next of kin. No cops were injured in the incident.

The shooting remains under investigation and the United States Attorney's Office will review the evidence in the case, including body-worn cameras. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC said in a statement: "Agents from the Force Investigations Team of the Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue Southeast. On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Seventh District officers responded to the listed location for the report of a crash.

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"Responding officers observed a vehicle struck the side of a commercial building, causing minor damage. The driver was still inside the vehicle unresponsive, and officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle. Officers immediately called for additional officers to respond to the scene.

"A short time later the suspect began moving inside the vehicle. Officers observed a weapon in the suspect's possession and gave verbal commands to drop the weapon. As the officers approached the suspect with their service weapons drawn, the suspect grabbed one of the officer's service weapons.

"At that time, two officers discharged their service weapons, striking the suspect. DC Fire and EMS were already on the scene and immediately began rendering care. After all lifesaving measures failed, the suspect succumbed to his injuries. The suspect will be identified pending next of kin notification."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information can also be submitted to the department's TEXT TIP LINE by texting 50411.