Shortly after 5:00 this morning, Friday, November 2, 2007, officers from the department's Third District Substation were investigating the report of a stolen vehicle in the 2800 block of Sherman Avenue, NW (Police Service Area 304). Officers were able to locate a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer matching the description of the vehicle being sought at the Apex Gas Station located at 2830 Sherman Avenue, NW. That vehicle was being occupied by one male subject in the driver's seat while two other male subjects had apparently exited the vehicle. Officers subsequently attempted to approach the suspect vehicle when one of the officers exiting his marked unit was struck by the suspect vehicle as the operator apparently rammed the officer in an effort to escape. The impact threw the officer upon the hood of the moving vehicle, injuring the officer and forcing him to fire his service weapon in fear of his life as it appeared the vehicle could run him over.
A short time later, the Trailblazer was located unoccupied in the rear of the 1200 block of Clifton Street, NW (PSA 304), after witnesses reportedly observed a male suspect running from that vehicle. A subsequent investigation eventually located the suspect inside of an apartment building in the 2500 block of 13th Street, NW (PSA 304). The suspect, who has been identified as 21-year-old Marco Antonio Wilson of the 1700 block of 7th Street, NW (PSA 308), was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to an area hospital and admitted in stable condition. His wounds are not believed to be life threatening. He is currently being charged with one count of Assault on a Police Officer; however other charges may be pending. Investigators are attempting to determine if the suspect was wounded as a result of police gunfire.
One of the other suspects was apprehended at the gas station without incident. That suspect who has been identified as 42-year-old John Pearson of no fixed address has been charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Passenger). The third suspect in this case apparently made good his escape. He is described at this time only as a black male, possibly in his 20's and last observed wearing black clothing.
The officer involved in this case, a 26-year-old male and three-year veteran assigned to the department's Third District Substation was transported to an area hospital and admitted for treatment of unspecified injuries. The other members involved in this incident were apparently uninjured in this incident.
The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation by members of the Department's Internal Affairs Bureau, Force Investigations Unit.