Two officers (one fresh from the academy, the other a veteran) responded to a call for a reported suicide attempt in an apartment building located at the 1300 block of N Street NW. The call came late this morning. The officers approached a man who was clutching a knife, the Washington Post is reporting.

A scuffle ensued.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier told the Post that it appears the veteran cop was the one who fired his weapon. The man was critically wounded. The man has been taken to an area hospital. The Post writes:

“Based on the initial interviews and other information Lanier has received, she said that it appears the officers responded appropriately to a real threat.

‘I feel real comfortable . . . that these officers did act in defense of their life,’ the chief said.”

Update 2:50 p.m.: The shooting took place at 1325 13th Street NW.