Suspicious Attack on Police Officers Ends in Fatal Shooting in Northwest D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in the Northwest section of the District of Columbia. The incident, which began as a call for a domestic disturbance, escalated into a violent confrontation that left a 31-year-old man dead.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers from the Second District responded to the 5100 block of Sherier Place, NW at approximately 10:53 a.m. after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance. Victims at the scene told police that the suspect, later identified as Jonathan Boruch of North Bethesda, Maryland, had threatened to return home and damage vehicles.
Just after 12:00 p.m., while officers were still speaking with the victims and completing a police report, Boruch arrived at the residence. Police say he was armed with two knives and immediately charged at the responding officers.
Officers issued multiple verbal commands for Boruch to drop his weapons. One officer deployed an electronic control device twice, but Boruch allegedly continued advancing, ignoring all commands. At that point, two officers each discharged their service weapons once, striking Boruch.
Police immediately requested D.C. Fire and EMS to respond. Despite life-saving measures administered on the scene, Boruch was pronounced dead. Both knives were recovered and secured as evidence.
In accordance with MPD policy, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Office of Internal Affairs’ Law Enforcement Team has taken the lead on the inquiry, with oversight from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Office of Investigative Services. Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office will independently review all evidence related to the case.
As required by D.C. law (D.C. Official Code § 5–116.33 (c)(2)), body-worn camera footage related to the incident will be released in the coming days to provide transparency and accountability to the public.
The MPD has urged community members who may have information regarding the case to come forward by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
The fatal encounter highlights the risks faced by law enforcement when responding to volatile situations involving armed individuals. It has also raised questions about how quickly such incidents escalate, even when officers attempt less-lethal interventions.
As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further updates and the release of body-camera footage to gain a clearer understanding of the sequence of events that led to Boruch’s death.
