On a November afternoon in Northeast Washington, D.C., a sequence of events unfolded that culminated in the death of 34-year-old Darick Napper. On November 19, 2015, at approximately 1:52 p.m., a Metropolitan Police Department officer was seated in her patrol car in the 5300 block of Dix Street NE, finishing paperwork near a community center. It was then that she was approached by Mr.
Napper.
The situation escalated quickly as Napper, armed with what was described as a large, hunting-style knife and a second edged weapon, confronted the officer. He leaned in close to her partially opened driver's side window, holding a knife with a nine-inch blade. In addition to the knife, he was wearing camouflaged brass knuckles that had serrated knives over each knuckle on his left hand. The officer immediately radioed for backup, reporting a 'man standing in front of me with a knife.' To create distance, she slowly reversed her vehicle, then exited and positioned herself behind the open door.
With her weapon not yet drawn, the officer repeatedly ordered Napper to 'drop the knife.' These commands were broadcast over the police radio and heard by responding officers. Napper did not comply and instead began to strike the hood of the police cruiser. After he reportedly threatened the officer by saying, 'I will kill you out here,' and moved towards her, she drew her weapon and fired a single shot, striking him in the upper left chest. Darick Napper was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Prior to the fatal encounter, multiple civilian witnesses reported seeing Napper threatening several people outside the community center.
Following the incident, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia conducted a thorough review of the shooting. This investigation included an examination of witness interviews, physical evidence, and the autopsy report. Ultimately, federal prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officer used excessive force and announced that no criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges would be filed against her. The officer involved in the shooting was not publicly named by the authorities.
