DC body camera footage released after suspect is killed, rookie officer is shot

The Metropolitan Police Department released the body-worn camera footage of the tense moments leading up to, and during, a shooting that injured one of its officers and killed an armed suspect in Southeast D.C. on Oct. 19.

Officials said during a press conference Thursday, that around 5 p.m. on Oct. 19, MPD officers responded to the 2800 block of Gainesville Street, Southeast for the report of a man with a gun involved in a dispute with two women.

Seventh District officers rushed to the scene and located the armed man, later identified as 33-year-old Arthur Porter, of Northwest, D.C. and attempted to stop him. Officials said Porter started running from police and led them on a foot pursuit.

One of the officers told Porter not to pull his gun out, but officials said that he turned toward the officers and discharged several rounds. Police confirm that one of the two officers chasing Porter then exchanged shots with Porter.

The second officer, a rookie, was hit during this shootout. It appears from the video that this rookie officer ended up in the middle of the shootout, leading some to speculate that he was hit by friendly fire. Police said while they are looking into that possibility, they won't know until ballistics results come back.

"I don't think you can speculate about friendly fire at this point," said Assistant Police Chief Leslie Parsons during Thursday's news conference.

Police said moments later, while Porter was running away again, he turned the corner of a building and encountered another officer. Police said at that point, it appeared as though Porter was about to fire his handgun when the backup officer fired multiple times. Officials said officers rendered aid at the scene before emergency crews took over. Porter was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Officials said the wounded officer is recovering at home and is expected to be OK.

“When you watch the video, you will see these officers are doing exactly what we want them to do. They are out in community, being visible, being present, and they are running towards danger," Parsons added.