The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding a police involved shooting that occurred on 13th Street, NW. The decedent has been identified as 38-year-old David Kerstetter.
On Thursday, November 6, 2008, at approximately 10:20 am, uniformed officers from the department’s Third District responded to a residence located in the 1300 block of 13th Street, NW to assist the building manager with a possible open door at that location. Upon arriving and initiating their investigation, the officers were suddenly confronted by an adult male inside of the premises reportedly wielding a knife. Reportedly, a struggle ensued as the officers repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon. It was at that time that the police in the face of apparent imminent danger fired upon the subject, striking him.
The suspect, Mr. Kerstetter was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:48 pm.
There were no reported physical injuries to the two officers involved in this incident. The identities of the officers, both males, are being withheld at this time to allow for the proper notification of their families.
A knife was recovered at the scene of the incident.
Both members have been placed on routine administrative leave with pay as the circumstances surrounding this case remains under investigation by members assigned to the Force Investigation Team from the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau.