U.S. Park Police said a man was killed and an officer was injured during a shootout near the District’s downtown area Wednesday.

Park Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Twiname said officers were attempting to stop a man wanted for a drug violation around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday near 12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Northwest when the suspect began fleeing on foot.

Authorities said officers chased the suspect to 12 and M streets, where he pulled out a gun and opened fire on the cops.

An officer returned fire and mortally wounded the man, Sgt. Twiname said 

“Responding officers immediately rendered aid to both the involved individual and officer, who were transported to area hospitals. The individual was pronounced deceased at the hospital. A firearm was recovered at the scene,” police said in a statement.   

Sgt. Twiname said the officer was shot multiple times in the torso and legs, but is conscious in the hospital.

Police said they are investigating how the shootout began.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.

Authorities said body-camera footage from the shooting will be released in the next 30 days.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.