A Washington, DC, Metro police officer shot and killed a Southeast DC man after an exchange of gunfire as he investigated "drug activity" on a Marshall Heights street. Kevin Bolden, 19, becomes the 19th person to die in US domestic drug law enforcement operations this year.

According to the Washington Post, citing a police spokesman, the unnamed police officer was one of several officers responding to a complaint about drug activity last Wednesday afternoon. He approached a group of people standing in the area, and Bolden broke and ran as police tried to speak with him. Officers chased Bolden a short distance through a neighborhood of townhouses and apartment buildings.

At some point, police said, the fleeing Bolden drew his weapon and pointed it at officers. Shots were exchanged, and Bolden fell mortally wounded.

He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. A gun was found on the ground near his body, police said.

It's not clear whether the police were in uniform or plain clothes.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated.