News

JUST IN: Six Alexandria Police officers put on administrative duties after chase suspect dies

By James Cullum

Six Alexandria Police officers have been placed on administrative duties as an internal review continues on the in-custody death of a suspect after a chase on Tuesday night.

Multiple buildings and vehicles were hit by bullets in the 800 block of North Patrick Street on Tuesday night, and police chased the suspects all the way to Interstate 295. The driver of the vehicle crashed and then jumped over an overpass barrier and was tased by police, arrested and later died.

The identity of the dead man has not been publicly released.

“While attempting to take the driver into custody, a U.S. Park Police officer deployed an E.C.D. (Electronic Control Device),” APD said. “Several Alexandria Police officers assisted the effort to take the driver into custody. The driver was conscious and breathing when the ambulance arrived. The driver lost consciousness in the DC Fire & EMS ambulance and was pronounced dead by medical staff at the hospital.”

The three other suspects in the car were identified as Joseph Stokes, 41, of Washington, D.C., Sean Pendleton, 37, of Washington, D.C., and Merton Thomas, 37, of the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The suspects were charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling.

The Metropolitan Police Department is handling the death investigation.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.