Two Arrested in Targeted ‘Ambush’ Shooting of US Park Police Officer in D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with what investigators are calling an “apparent ambush” of a U.S. Park Police (USPP) officer in the nation’s capital early Wednesday morning. The shooting, which has sent shockwaves through the regional law enforcement community, resulted in the apprehension of two suspects now facing serious federal charges.
The suspects, identified by officials as Darren Foster and Asheile Foster, were taken into custody following an intensive search operation. Both individuals have been officially charged with assault on a federal police officer with a gun, according to a statement released by the U.S. Park Police department.
A Violent Confrontation
The incident unfolded during the early hours of Wednesday, March 25, 2026. While specific details regarding the exact location within the District have not been fully disclosed to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, initial reports suggest the officer was targeted while on duty in a federally managed park area. Preliminary evidence indicates the officer was caught in a “deliberate ambush” before being struck by gunfire.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes, providing life-saving care to the wounded officer before transporting them to a local trauma center. While the officer’s current condition is described as stable, the injuries are considered serious. Law enforcement officials have praised the officer’s quick thinking and the rapid response of fellow units in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Suspects in Custody
The swift arrest of Darren and Asheile Foster followed a multi-agency effort involving the USPP, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and federal partners. Investigators utilized surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the scene to track the suspects to a nearby residence where they were detained without further incident.
While the relationship between the two suspects has not been formally confirmed, court documents indicate they are being held as co-defendants in the assault. The motive for the targeted shooting remains under active investigation, with federal agents looking into whether the suspects had prior interactions with law enforcement or if the attack was a random act of violence against the uniform.
Calls for Justice
“Any attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on the safety and security of our entire community,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Park Police stated. “The brave men and women of the USPP work tirelessly to protect our national treasures and the people who visit them. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are held fully accountable under the law.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, both Darren and Asheile Foster are being held pending their initial appearance in federal court. If convicted of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, the suspects could face decades in prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is expected to lead the prosecution.
The investigation remains fluid, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the shooting or the suspects’ movements prior to the incident to contact the U.S. Park Police tip line.