US Census Bureau guard killed in shooting, suspect arrested

A Census Bureau security guard is dead following a shooting at the bureau's headquarters on 9 April.

The incident that led to the guard's death began with a domestic abduction in Washington DC at around 5.30pm, the Washington Post reported. According to DC Police Chief Cathy L Lanier, the male suspect forced a woman into a green Honda at Third and T streets NE. Police said they believe the two know each other.

Afterwards, the suspect and woman were seen arguing outside the Census Bureau headquarters and were approached by the guard, who was identified as Lawrence Buckner. The suspect allegedly shot Buckner several times, Lanier told reporters.

During the car chase, the suspect shot a DC police cruiser on Bruce Place SE and again in the 1200 block of Third Street NE. Police were able to ram his car near the H Street commercial corridor, where he got out of his vehicle and shot at police again. According to the Post, officers fired back at the suspect and were able to arrest him.

Prince George's Hospital Center spokeswoman Erika Murray told reporters that Buckner died at 7.19pm. The suspect's kidnapping victim managed to escape the suspect's car before H Street and was "in good condition," Lanier said. A DC police sergeant was also shot in the leg.

The suspect, who was not identified by police, was alive and conscious, Lanier told reporters. Police later confirmed he had been shot in the head.

According to UPI, the FBI has launched an investigation into the incident.