A fatal officer-involved shooting followed the suspect’s fatal shooting of a female victim in Alexandria early Monday (May 18), according to police.
Around 4:05 a.m., the Alexandria Police Department responded to a report of a female victim who had been shot at an apartment complex (27 Canterbury Square) in the West End. Two relatives had left the apartment, leaving the suspect barricaded inside a room with the victim.
The suspect initially refused to follow officer commands, according to APD.
“The suspect then emerged, running full speed at officers charging at them, and there were two service weapons that were fired by officers,” Police Chief Tarrick McGuire told reporters at a briefing.
The police chief said officers took the suspect into custody and attempted life-saving measures. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The first call came in at 4:05 a.m., and police were outside the apartment with guns drawn at 4:11 a.m.. according to the police scanner. Police arrived on scene to find the front door of the apartment open. Shots were then fired at 4:13 a.m. and 4:14 a.m., and scanner traffic indicated the suspect was reportedly shot at 4:15 a.m.
“We have a caller on the line that stated a female was shot,” the APD dispatcher said at 4:05 a.m. “Apparently the male is translating for the female, also stated it just occurred. (The) victim has a gunshot wound to the stomach.”
Inside the home, officers found the female victim, who had been shot multiple times. Despite life-saving efforts, she was also pronounced dead. The victim was found in a bedroom, according to a radio dispatch.
McGuire said that several family members were safely evacuated before the suspect was killed.
Police say the incident was isolated to the apartment unit. McGuire could not confirm whether the suspect was armed when charging at officers, adding that body-worn camera footage would help determine that.
APD has not publicly identified the suspect or victim. The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
The two officers involved, who have a collective seven-and-a-half years of experience, were placed on administrative leave pending the results of an administrative investigation.
McGuire said the investigation is ongoing. The regional Critical Incident Response Team and the independent police auditor will conduct separate investigations. The independent police auditor’s review will go before the Independent Police Review Board. APD’s Office of Professional Responsibility will also conduct an administrative investigation to determine whether officers followed department policy.
The press conference is below.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
