DC Police Exchange Gunfire With Fleeing Homicide Suspect

WASHINGTON, DC -- Metropolitan Police Department officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect they were pursuing last Thursday in connection with a fatal shooting in the Mount Vernon Square area, according to a police release. The suspect was arrested and the officers involved in the chase have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Uniformed police officers on patrol responded to the sound of gunshots Thursday, Feb. 13, around 5:08 p.m., in the 700 block of 8th Street, N.W. They found an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds and saw a suspect fleeing the scene. The officers chased the suspect into the 700 block of 10th Street, N.W., exchanging gunfire with him. The suspect was subsequently captured in the area of 11th and H streets, Northwest. D.C.

Fire & EMS transported the suspect and victim to area hospitals for treatment. The victim was pronounced dead after life-saving efforts failed to save him. Police identified the decedent as Terence Dantzler, 29, of no fixed address. The suspect received treatment for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

MPD arrested Jaykell Mason, 29, of Southeast, charging him with first degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed and carrying a pistol without a license. Police recovered a handgun at the scene of the shooting.

In accordance with MPD policy, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. Footage of the incident is under review.

The case remains open and police ask anyone with information to call 202-727-9099.