Officer Marcus Preston Willis

Marcus Preston Willis

Officer Marcus Willis was accidentally shot and killed by another officer while attempting to arrest a man while off duty.

He and his partner, Officer Smallwood, became involved in a traffic altercation at 4501 Benning Road, NE, and attempted to arrest the driver. A struggle ensued and Officer Smallwood struck the suspect on the head with his service revolver, causing the weapon to discharge. The discharged round struck Officer Willis in the head, killing him.

Officer Willis had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for one year and was assigned to the Vice Squad at the Ninth Precinct. He was survived by his wife and 6-week-old son.