Fairfax County Shooting: Two Officers Injured, Gunman Killed During Violent Traffic Stop
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – A routine traffic stop in the typically quiet neighborhood of Fair Oaks turned deadly on Wednesday afternoon when a driver opened fire on police officers, wounding two. The incident, which took place in the 4000 block of Majestic Lane, ended with the gunman being shot and killed by a third officer who responded to the escalating situation.
At a news conference, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis detailed the harrowing events that transformed a standard traffic stop into a scene of chaos and violence. According to Davis, two officers were on traffic enforcement duty when they spotted a vehicle speeding through the area. The officers activated their lights and initiated a stop after the driver abruptly pulled over, slamming on the brakes.
The encounter quickly grew tense. As the officer approached the car, the driver became “hostile and argumentative,” refusing to produce identification and eventually telling the officer he was armed. His weapon, according to Davis, was visible and holstered over his clothing.
Backup was called in immediately, and additional officers arrived on the scene. Despite repeated commands to keep his hands visible and stop reaching for his weapon, the driver continued to reach toward the gun. Davis described a desperate attempt by the officers to de-escalate the situation and physically restrain the driver before he could draw his weapon.
Their efforts were in vain.
In a sudden and violent moment, the driver leaned back in his seat, drew his weapon from the holster, and opened fire, striking two of the officers in the arms. Davis noted that the officers who were shot did not have time to return fire, as they were fully engaged in trying to keep the gun out of the suspect’s reach.
A third officer, who had also arrived as backup and witnessed the unfolding situation, fired at the suspect in response, fatally wounding him. The gunman, identified only as a 36-year-old resident of the area, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The two injured officers were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Chief Davis confirmed they are expected to survive, and both are being treated and monitored for their physical and emotional recovery.
“This was a fast-moving, incredibly dangerous situation,” Davis told reporters. “Our officers acted with restraint and courage in the face of immediate, life-threatening danger. Their priority was to de-escalate and prevent loss of life, including the suspect’s. Unfortunately, the suspect made a deadly choice.”
This marks the first officer-involved shooting of 2025 for the Fairfax County Police Department. The last such incident took place late in 2024, underscoring the rarity of such violent encounters in the area.
A Violent Day for Fairfax County
The traffic stop shooting wasn’t the only major incident to strain law enforcement resources in Fairfax County on Wednesday. Earlier in the morning, police responded to a stabbing at West Potomac High School in Belle Haven. According to authorities, a fight broke out between three students around 9:40 a.m., during which a 15-year-old stabbed a 16-year-old peer.
A student resource officer was already on the scene and intervened within seconds. Other officers arrived shortly thereafter. The suspect was taken into custody, and the injured student was transported for medical treatment. The condition of the victim has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Chief Davis addressed both incidents during the press conference, expressing deep concern over the increasing number of violent acts occurring in settings that are supposed to be safe—schools and suburban streets.
“We have to be vigilant, we have to be prepared, and we have to remain calm under pressure,” Davis said. “I commend every one of our officers who responded today—with professionalism, bravery, and a clear focus on preserving life.”
Community Response and Investigation
The community is reeling from the day’s events. Fairfax County, known for its relatively low crime rate and peaceful suburban environment, has been shaken by the back-to-back incidents. Area residents and local leaders have expressed their support for the wounded officers and the community at large.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, in coordination with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, will investigate the officer-involved shooting. Body-worn camera footage is expected to be reviewed and could be released to the public in the coming days as part of transparency efforts.
As the community processes a day marked by violence and trauma, county officials are urging residents to come together in support of law enforcement, victims, and one another.
“This was a day no one wanted to see,” Davis said. “But it’s also a day when our officers’ commitment and courage were on full display.”