News

West End man suffers ‘accidental’ gunshot wound to the chest, says APD

By James Cullum
A man was accidentally shot in the chest in the 4800 block of Kenmore Avenue on Saturday, may 11, 2024 (via Google Maps)

A 22-year-old Alexandria man suffered an “accidental” gunshot wound to the chest in his apartment on Sunday, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The victim was with friends in his apartment in the 4800 block of Kenmore Avenue in the West End. He was shot at around 10:40 p.m., and the shooting was not self-inflicted, police said.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation is active, according to APD.

“All individuals involved are accounted for and remain cooperative with the investigation,” Alexandria Police Department communications manager Tracy Walker said.

Police arrived to find the victim’s friends applying pressure to the wound, and the unloaded handgun on the floor, according to police dispatches. Police provided no information on the weapon.

APD later tweeted that they were investigating an “accidental discharge of a firearm.”

Last year, a man was sentenced five years probation for the accidental shooting death of his best friend in Alexandria’s Lynhaven neighborhood.

Map via Google Maps

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.