Security Guard Shoots Intruder at Washington D.C. News Station

Security Guard Shoots Intruder at Washington D.C. News Station

A burglary suspect was shot by a security guard after forcefully making his way inside the lobby of a news station.

A security guard shot an intruder at a Washington D.C. news station on Monday afternoon, according to both the station and police. 

The incident happened a little after 3 p.m. at WTTG-TV's building in the Friendship Heights neighborhood. Police say the 38-year-old suspect broke through at least one set of glass doors that the station says employees must have an ID to swipe for entry. 

The security guard onsite first used pepper spray, but then she fired her weapon when the spray did not slow the suspect down, police said. The intruder was shot once in the chest. 

"He forced his way in by kicking in the door, and the shooting happened in the lobby areas of the station," Washington police Cmdr. Melvin Gresham said, adding that the suspect was not armed at the time of the break in. 

Gresham called the suspect "stable, alert and conscious." Police found that the suspect had made threats against the Fox News affiliate, as well as law enforcement, and was known to Fox News executives and local police. However, it was still unclear whether threats were aimed at Fox News network, or the affiliate specifically, police said.

The incident happened just 35 miles away from the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland, where a gunman killed five employees on June 28.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.