WASHINGTON — Three police officers have been shot in Washington and their injuries appear to be non-life-threatening, authorities said Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement posted online that the officers were shot in the southeast part of the nation's capital at about 8:30 a.m. No other details were immediately available.
The police union said three of its members had been shot by a suspect and were taken to area hospitals with gunshot wounds.
Police Chief Pamela Smith explained officers were responding to a home in the area to assist the Humane Rescue Alliance with serving an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. When officers arrived, around 7:30 a.m., and tried to contact the man inside, he refused to come out and fired at officers.
Smith said three officers were shot. A fourth officer was hurt treated for minor injuries. Smith said the fourth officer was not shot. DC Police said all three officers shot have injuries not thought to be life-threatening,
The man barricaded himself inside the home and continued to fire shots, the police chief said. Right now, the barricade situation remains active and negotiators are in communication with the man to get him to surrender peacefully.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are also on scene assisting with the investigation.
Several roads were closed in the area during the morning commute as the shooting unfolded.
The incident comes as the District of Columbia is struggling with a sharp rise in violent crime, fueled by more homicides and carjackings.