Off-Duty D.C. Police Officer Exchanges Fire With Robber

An off-duty D.C. police officer intervened in a street robbery last night and exchanged shots with the alleged robber, D.C. police said.

The incident occurred after the officer walked into a poorly lit alley in the 2600 block of Georgia Avenue NW where someone was being robbed a little before 8:30 p.m.

The officer, who was not in uniform, identified himself as a police officer, authorities said. The alleged robber then turned toward the officer and fired one shot at him, Cmdr. Andrew Solberg said.

The officer fired one shot in return, Solberg said.

The suspect fled, and it was unclear last night whether he was hit. Neither the officer or the intended robbery victim was hurt.

Solberg praised the officer.

"The officer was very courageous," Solberg said. "He took police action when he could have done nothing."

Staff writer Theola Labbé-DeBose contributed to this report.