Gunman impersonating police officer sought in shooting of boy and man in Washington, D.C.

The gunman, who wore a vest that said “police” and a fake badge around his neck, claimed he was trying to serve a warrant when the shooting unfolded, police said.

Police are searching for a man who impersonated a police officer and shot a man and a boy at a facility for youths awaiting trial in Washington, D.C.

The attack took place Tuesday in the 6000 block of Clay Street NE when officers responded to reports of a shooting at 2:54 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department said.

The gunman gained entry into a residential facility by posing as a police officer, dressed all in black with a vest emblazoned with “police” and a star badge around his neck, according to photos taken from surveillance video. 

According to the preliminary investigation, once he was inside “and after a brief conversation,” the gunman “produced a handgun and discharged it multiple times, striking both victims,” police said. 

The gunman claimed he was an officer serving a warrant on one of the juveniles housed at the privately owned facility, NBC Washington reported.

“He recognized that individual who was in the facility, immediately pulled out a handgun and started shooting at that individual,” Police Cmdr. John Haines told the station.

Haines said police believe the gunman targeted the juvenile victim. 

“He was absolutely trying, specifically targeting that individual,” Haines said. 

He said an “innocent person” who worked at the facility was also hit in the gunfire.

The gunman fled in a dark SUV. 

Officers found the victims with gunshot wounds, and they were transported to local hospitals for “serious injuries.” Haines said their injuries are non-life-threatening.

The names and ages of the victims have not been released. 

Police are asking the public to help identify the gunman or the vehicle he used to escape. A reward of up to $10,000 is available to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a person behind a violent crime.

Juveniles housed at the facility have been moved after the shooting, an official familiar with the investigation told NBC Washington. 

The shooting comes days after burglars claiming to be FBI agents, dressed in tactical gear and carrying flashlights and guns, forced their way into a home in the 1700 block of Bay Street SE on Dec. 14, the station reported. 

The burglars “used force” to steal phones, two safes and other items from the home, according to the police report. Two residents inside fled the home to contact police.