Document: Officer-Involved Shooting in Southeast, DC

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 1, 2021
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Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert J. Contee III informed the public of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Aug. 31.

Contee told the public that, shortly before 7:00 p.m., police responded to 1400 block of V Street, NW, after a citizen called the police to report that there was a man on a balcony with a gun. Officers were directed to an apartment building and knocked on the man’s door. 

The individual, who has been identified as 34-year-old George Watson, came out of the apartment and, according to Contee, officers talked with him in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Officers had multiple conversations with Watson, who Contee said, “went back and forth within the apartment.” According to a press release, Watson walked away from the officers three times. The last time he emerged from the apartment, police say he was armed with a gun. 

The press release states that Watson “pointed the weapon in the direction of officers.” One officer discharged their firearm, striking Watson. Watson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.