Alexandria man arrested after shots fired, police chase on I-395

A 41-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond on multiple charges after allegedly shooting a gun at a vehicle while driving, strangling a former girlfriend, eluding police and discarding a handgun on Interstate 395.

The victim called police at around 11:15 p.m. on Friday night (May 5) and reported that the suspect allegedly fired several shots at other vehicles in the area of E. Raymond Avenue and Dewitt Avenue, according to dispatch reports.

Scanner traffic shows that the suspect was driving in an older model white Chrysler, which was located just before midnight going north on N. Van Dorn Street near Kenmore Avenue. Police chased the Chrysler at speeds up to 90 miles per hour before the suspect drove onto I-395 northbound near Glebe Road and allegedly threw a handgun out the driver’s side window, prompting police to section off a portion of the highway. The Chrysler broke down minutes later on I-395 near the Washington Boulevard exit.

The suspect was charged with strangling, abduction by force, malicious shooting at a train/car, firearm possession by a nonviolent felon, assault and battery, driving on a revoked/suspended license, shooting in a public place and eluding police. He goes to court on June 21.

The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.

“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”