James Lewis Jr. dies in fatal Washington, D.C. police-involved shooting

James Lewis Jr. dies in fatal Washington, D.C. police-involved shooting

Fatal Washington, D.C. police-involved shooting death of James Lewis Jr. – Obituary

Authorities have identified 32-year-old James Lewis Jr. of Sandy Springs, Georgia, as the man who was killed in a police-involved shooting in Washington, D.C.

The incident occurred Thursday evening near 23rd Avenue and Ager Street, when officers, including Lieutenant Charles Cooper, pulled Lewis Jr. over just after 8:30 p.m. During the traffic stop, Lewis Jr. resisted officers, pushed one away, and drove off with Cooper partially hanging out of the vehicle. The lieutenant was dragged approximately 150 yards before firing his service weapon, causing the car to collide with a utility pole.

Lewis Jr. was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Both officers were taken to the hospital; Cooper sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the second officer was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police reported that a search of Lewis Jr.’s vehicle uncovered a bag containing marijuana. Both officers’ body cameras and the second officer’s cruiser dash camera recorded the incident. The Independent Investigations Division continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and is seeking any additional information from the public.