Deadly Traffic Stop in Fairfax County: Two Officers Injured, Suspect Killed in Shooting
Fairfax County, VA – A routine traffic enforcement operation in Fairfax County spiraled into a violent confrontation on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two police officers wounded and a suspect dead. The incident unfolded around 3:00 p.m. in the 4000 block of Majestic Lane and has since prompted a thorough investigation by local authorities.
According to Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, what began as a simple traffic stop rapidly escalated into a deadly altercation. A Fairfax County officer initially attempted to pull over a driver for speeding. Although the motorist, later identified as a 36-year-old man who lived nearby, initially complied and stopped his vehicle, he quickly fled the scene—only to stop again moments later.
When the officer approached the vehicle a second time, the situation turned tense. The suspect refused to provide identification and declared he had a firearm on his person. Body camera footage reviewed by Chief Davis revealed the suspect’s statement and his increasingly erratic behavior as officers tried to maintain control.
Two additional officers soon arrived to provide backup. The trio attempted to de-escalate the situation and prevent the suspect from drawing his weapon. “The two officers who were shot never discharged their firearms,” Davis emphasized. “They were fully engaged in a physical effort to stop the suspect from pulling his gun. Their hands were tied up—literally—trying to keep the gun in the holster.”
Despite their efforts, the suspect succeeded in drawing his weapon. In a split second, he leaned back in his driver’s seat and opened fire at the officers gathered around the driver’s side door. The shots rang out suddenly, catching the officers in close proximity off guard.
The chaos was met with swift action. A third officer, positioned on the passenger side of the vehicle, responded with gunfire, shooting the suspect in defense of his fellow officers. The wounded suspect was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Both injured officers sustained non-life-threatening wounds and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The names of the officers and the suspect have not yet been released, pending further investigation and notifications.
This tragic event marks the first officer-involved shooting in Fairfax County for 2025. The last such incident occurred in late 2024, according to department records.
“This is a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day, even during what seem to be routine encounters,” Davis stated at a news conference following the incident. “The officers showed restraint, professionalism, and courage in the face of sudden and lethal violence.”
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities are expected to review extensive bodycam footage, interview witnesses, and analyze forensic evidence in the coming days. Community leaders have called for patience as the department works to provide transparency and a full account of the event.
Meanwhile, the department and community members alike are expressing gratitude that the injured officers are expected to recover. Support services are being made available to them and their families.
As Fairfax County grapples with the aftermath of this violent episode, the broader conversation about police safety, mental health, and de-escalation tactics once again takes center stage.