Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 14, 1982
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 661
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 14, 1982
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Convicted
Officer Donald Luning was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a man who fled from a stolen vehicle.
Officer Luning and his partner were working a tactical detail when they spotted the vehicle occupied by a male and a female on Jay Street, NE. When the man fled the vehicle Officer Luning pursued him into an apartment building at 3712 Hayes Street, NE, and a struggle ensued. The suspect gained control of Officer Luning's weapon and shot him after pinning him to the ground.
The man was arrested several hours later after barricading himself in his apartment inside the building. He was convicted of Officer Luning's murder and sent to prison.
Officer Luning had served with the agency for 11 years and was assigned to the 6th District. He was survived by his wife and two children.