Off-duty firefighter shot during robbery attempt in D.C

In Washington, D.C., on the night of September 20, Gary Dziekan, an off-duty firefighter, faced a life-threatening situation while returning home from an Oktoberfest party. Dziekan, known as Zeek, was shot during an attempted robbery when he encountered a masked gunman aiming a firearm at him. The incident unfolded in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where a sudden spike in emergency calls to 911 coincided with the shooting, leading to delays in response. Dziekan, bleeding from his injuries, waited approximately three minutes for assistance before calling his own firehouse for help. The aftermath of the shooting revealed critical issues within the D.C. emergency response system. D.C. 911 dispatchers reported having answered over 20 calls within a short period leading up to the incident, but faced challenges due to understaffing and high call volumes. The dispatcher did not pickup his call immediately, which led to Zeek taking matters into his own hands after grabbing the gun that the robber had dropped during their struggle. Dziekan managed to call for help from his firehouse, where he identified himself and expressed the urgency of his situation. Law enforcement quickly responded to the incident after being alerted by the firefighters who arrived shortly after Dziekan's call. Within minutes, a police investigation led to the arrest of a teenager identified as Marcellus Dyson Jr., who allegedly perpetrated the robbery and shooting. After fleeing the scene, Dyson approached a witness, claiming that he needed help for being shot, further indicating the chaotic nature of the encounter. The incident raised questions about public safety in D.C. and sparked renewed calls for accountability among the emergency services. Public figures, including public safety leaders and law enforcement officials, have echoed concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and staffing levels within D.C.'s emergency response systems. The D.C. Office of Unified Communications, facing significant staffing challenges, stated that as low as 57% of shifts met their required capacity for the month of August, resulting in delays that jeopardize citizen safety. In light of this incident, Dziekan expressed his desire for there to be repercussions for violent actions committed by young individuals in the city, advocating for a strong stance against crime in the nation’s capital.