The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported a shooting incident on the night of June 24 in Northwest D.C. that left two people injured. The victims, a man and a woman, arrived at a local hospital on their own around 11:25 p.m., prompting an immediate police response.
This incident comes on the same day MPD joined over 1,500 other police departments as it launched DC’s Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith announced major additions including a new police helicopter and the launch of MPD’s drone program to make the community safe and aid the Real-Time Crime Center’s operations.Â
According to MPD, the shooting took place at the intersection of Georgia and Morton Street. While both victims were breathing upon arrival at the hospital, the male victim was described as unconscious, raising serious concerns about his condition.
Given the severity of the man’s injuries, homicide detectives were called to the scene, despite the victim still being alive. The female victim’s condition was not explicitly stated, but she was reportedly conscious. As of the latest update, no information has been released regarding potential suspects or motives behind the shooting.
MPD continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward to assist in their inquiry.
Though there have been concerns about the launch of the drone program, the drone program may have been launched at the right time. In the first half of 2024, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Air Support Unit has responded to 493 calls for service and aided in 76 arrests. Its Falcon aircraft has been crucial, conducting 100 photo missions for crime scene documentation and crowd management. The unit has also performed 457 safety checks along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and completed 558 traffic safety checks.
These figures show significant progress compared to 2023’s full-year statistics, which included 1,517 calls for service, 194 arrest assists, 980 river safety checks, and 1,083 traffic checks. The Air Support Unit’s contributions continue to play a vital role in enhancing MPD’s operational capabilities and public safety efforts across Washington, D.C.
