(Updated at 11:10 p.m.) At least three Alexandria Police officers are on routine administrative leave after a shootout that left one suspect dead near the intersection of N. Fairfax and Montgomery Streets.
At 5 a.m., police responded to a call for shots fired inside the Holiday Inn & Suites (625 First Street) in north Old Town, according to police spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine. Once at the scene, police were told by witnesses that a robbery occurred in the lobby of the hotel and that multiple shots were fired.
Police established a perimeter and located a possible suspect and a chase ensued on foot, Ballantine said. The suspect allegedly shot an officer in the lower body at N. Royal and 2nd Street. The officer sustained a non-life threatening wound and has since been released from the hospital.
The male suspect then ran to the area of N. Fairfax and Montgomery Streets and more gunfire was exchanged.
“Officers shot toward the suspect and the suspect shot toward the officers,” Ballantine said. “The suspect was found deceased in the bushes when the sun came up.”
Ballantine did not confirm whether police shot the suspect.
Heavily-armed officers could still be seen searching the area after the suspect was found dead.
“Alexandria police officers and K9s, including some with tactical gear, are walking through North Old Town to search for additional evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into this morning’s shootings,” according to police. “The public should not be alarmed at this police activity, but please avoid the area today if possible.”
This afternoon, Virginia State Police identified a 26-year-old Alexandria man, Michael David Thompson, as a person of interest in the shootings. He has since turned himself in, state police announced Monday night.
VSP provided additional information about the investigation:
The Virginia State Police, at the request of the City of Alexandria Police Chief, is investigating a series of shooting incidents that occurred Monday morning (Oct. 26, 2020). State and local police are still working to locate Mitchell D. Thompson, 26, of Alexandria, Va. He is now wanted on one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and is believed to be currently armed. The public is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police at 703-803-0026 or email at [email protected] with any information related to his whereabouts. Thompson is a white male with brown eyes and long, brown hair he was last seen wearing in a “man-bun.” He is 6’8 in height and weighs 245 lbs.
The incident began Monday at approximately 5:01 a.m. when the Alexandria Police Department received a 911 call for shots being fired at a hotel in the 600 block of First Street in Old Town Alexandria. As officers were responding to the scene, two individuals involved in the shooting had fled the hotel on foot. A perimeter was immediately established and search efforts were underway. Further investigation at the hotel determined that an armed robbery had taken place inside the hotel. No one inside the hotel was injured.
At approximately 5:50 a.m., an Alexandria Police Officer located two suspects – one of them Thompson – and a foot pursuit was initiated. When the officer and the two adult males reached the intersection of North Royal Street and Second Street, the officer and one of the two suspects exchanged fire. The officer was shot and both suspects fled the scene again on foot. The officer has been treated and released for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the shooting.
The search perimeter was expanded and police K9 teams located, at approximately 6:24 a.m., one of the suspects near the intersection of Montgomery Street and North Fairfax Street. As Alexandria police officers engaged with the adult male suspect, shots were fired by both the suspect and officers on scene. The male suspect died at the scene. A stolen firearm was recovered in the male suspect’s possession. No law enforcement at this location were injured.
The man’s remains have been transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for examination and autopsy. Next of kin notification is still pending.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time into all three incidents by state police, with the assistance of the Alexandria Police Department and the ATF.
Mayor Justin Wilson said that he appreciated APD’s quick response in finding the suspect, getting the word out to the public and protecting the public from harm.
“My concern right now is with our officer who was injured,” Wilson said. “I know the entire community joins me in wishing for a quick recovery for the officer and expressing our gratitude for their service to our community in a very dangerous situation this morning.”
During the incident, North Old Town was on lockdown as residents were urged to seek shelter while police searched for the suspects. Residents from Washington Street to the river were urged to stay indoors with the doors and windows locked until notified otherwise by police.
More from social media:
Officers and K9s, including some with tactical gear, are searching through North Old Town for additional evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into this morning's shootings. Do not be alarmed at this police activity, but please avoid the area today if possible.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) October 26, 2020
Armed officers still roaming streets of @AlexandriaVAGov after Officer shot & suspect found deceased. I’m told by @AlexandriaVAPD that there is a search for additional evidence. @fox5dc @VSPPIO assisting in investigation as it’s not known if #police return fire struck suspect. pic.twitter.com/TKr3D59izi
— Melanie Alnwick (@fox5melanie) October 26, 2020
A suspect in connection with two shootings in North Old Town has been located, and there is no current threat to public safety. The Alexandria Police Department appreciates the community's support and assistance this morning.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) October 26, 2020
If you are in the area noted by APD, please stay indoors and alert Police to anything suspicious. Further notification will occur as this situation is resolved.
Please keep the injured officer in your thoughts. They have our best wishes for a quick recovery. https://t.co/Cn6ZnD38Ii
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 26, 2020
James Cullum contributed to this story
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