Violent Rampage in Office Building
Air-date 9/28/2019, 5:04 ET
ABC7 5:00 News
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CYNNE SIMPSON, ABC7 ANCHOR: Hello, welcome to ABC7 news at 5, I'm Cynne Simpson. Our top stories: Continuing turmoil in the Middle East, the facts you need to know, and important consumer recall information about a product you use every day. But first, stunning footage of a dramatic confrontation with police. For more on this we turn to our news correspondent, Michelle Smith. Michelle?
(Cut to video, news reporter on left with hospital in background)
MICHELLE SMITH, ABC7 REPORTER: Cynne, I'm standing outside George Washington University Hospital, where an unidentified man has been shot by police and taken into custody after a fatal rampage.
(Cut to shaky cell-phone video of a small downtown building with police arrayed outside it. A man, covered in blood, appears in the doorway - the police yell at him, then the man growls and rushes them. Shots are fired, the man goes down after being hit several times.)
(Cut to grim looking reporter)
MICHELLE SMITH, ABC7 REPORTER: This shocking footage shows an unarmed man unprovoked, rushing armed police officers. The police arrived after several tenants of the building called 911, reporting a violent assault. The building holds several business offices, it is as yet unclear which the attack started in, but at least a dozen people were treated for injuries by first responders, five workers were taken to the hospital with wounds too extensive for on-site CRF treatment, and at least one person was killed inside and could not be revived.
(frame widens to include bystander)
MICHELLE SMITH, ABC7 REPORTER: Sir, I understand you were in the building at the time of the incident, what can you tell us?
BYSTANDER: I was just working, and we started hearing godawful screaming and banging and stuff from downstairs, you know? So we called 911. Carlos went down to see what was going on, and he didn't come back. The cops came pretty quick, and I was watching outside when the guy came out. I think he worked downstairs, accountant or something, but he must've gone crazy or OD'd or something...he was covered in blood and he just ran at the cops like a rabid dog - no weapon or nothing, but I don't blame 'em for blowing him away. I came down here after, to see if Carlos was one of the ones they took away in ambulances, but they say he's not here.
CYNNE SIMPSON, ABC7 ANCHOR: Michele, any news on the condition of the assailant?
MICHELLE SMITH, ABC7 REPORTER: Right now he is listed as being in "critical but stable condition." His name, and the names of the injured and killed, have not been released at this time, nor has any statement been made on what may have triggered this behavior.
CYNNE SIMPSON, ABC7 ANCHOR: Thanks, Michelle. ABC7 has learned that at least two similar incidents occurred within the greater DC metro area earlier today. The Chief of Police has not been available for comment. Sources say that the CDC has been notified, though they have not yet issued any formal comment.
We will of course keep you informed on this story as it develops.