A major police incident on I-695 involving an injured officer and heavy National Guard presence has gripped attention near the U.S. Capitol, with many questions still unanswered.
Officer down on I-695 near the Capitol
A large police and National Guard presence was reported on Interstate 695, about half a mile from the U.S. Capitol, after urgent radio calls of an “officer down.”
Witnesses say an officer, appearing unresponsive, was carefully loaded into a police cruiser and rushed to the hospital as flashing lights filled the night and traffic came to a standstill.
What witnesses say happened
According to early reports shared on social media, the officer had been assisting a disabled motorist when a vehicle suddenly plowed into him on the eastbound lanes of I-695.
Onlookers described a chaotic scene, with multiple police units, emergency vehicles, and National Guard members converging on the roadway as drivers were ordered to divert and avoid the tunnel area.
Condition of the injured officer
The officer was found unconscious at the scene, and fellow officers immediately rendered aid before racing him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Official updates on his exact condition remain limited, but reports indicate he suffered serious injuries and remains under intensive medical care as colleagues and community members ask for prayers.
Road closures and traffic chaos
The crash and investigation forced authorities to close all eastbound lanes of I-695 after the I-395/Third Street Tunnel, causing heavy congestion and forcing late-night drivers to seek alternate routes across the city.
Officials later confirmed that the driver who struck the officer stayed at the scene and was also taken to the hospital with reported minor injuries, while the disabled motorist being helped by the officer was not hurt.
Questions, confusion, and ongoing investigation
The dramatic scene quickly sparked confusion online, with some early posts suggesting the incident was directly next to federal grounds, while later comments argued the exact location had been misstated and may be farther from the Capitol than first claimed.
Police have launched a major crash investigation to determine factors like speed, visibility, and potential negligence, while the public waits for clearer answers about what exactly led to an officer fighting for his life on a busy interstate.