An officer-involved shooting occurred in Alexandria early Monday (May 18), according to police.
Around 4 a.m., the Alexandria Police Department responded to a report of a female victim who had been shot at 27 Canterbury Square in the West End. Two relatives who had left the apartment were present, and police learned a suspect was 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.
Inside the home, officers found the female victim, who had been shot multiple times. Despite life-saving efforts, she was also pronounced dead.
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 two officers involved, who have seven-and-a-half to eight 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. APD’s Office of Professional Responsibility will also conduct an administrative investigation to determine whether officers followed department policy.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
