Document: MPD Investigating Officer Involved Shooting

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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that it is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place in the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue Southeast. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at around 5:30 a.m. when Seventh District officers responded to a report of a car crash at the location.

Upon arrival, the responding officers found the driver unresponsive in a car that had struck a commercial building, causing minor damage. Notably, the officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle. Additional officers were promptly requested at the scene.

The MPD reported that the suspect, who was still in the vehicle, began moving and was seen to have a weapon. Officers instructed the suspect to drop the weapon, but as they approached the suspect with their service weapons drawn, the suspect grabbed one of the officer’s service weapons.

This led to two officers discharging their firearms, shooting the suspect. Despite immediate medical assistance from DC Fire and EMS, who were already present at the scene, all lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

The department has identified the suspect as 26-year-old Justin Robinson from Southeast, DC. The suspect’s weapon was recovered at the scene.

The MPD noted that the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave in line with MPD policy. The incident remains under investigation by the MPD Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team, which handles all law enforcement officer-involved shootings in the district. Meanwhile, The United States Attorney’s Office will independently review the facts and evidence of the case. The release of body-worn camera footage will follow District of Columbia law procedures.

Finally, the MPD requests anyone with information about this case to call the police at 202-727-9099. They also highlighted the option to anonymously text information to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.