Virginia police officers shot during traffic stop near popular shopping center; suspect killed

Two police officers are in the hospital after a 36-year-old man, who was killed by a third officer on scene, opened fire on them during a traffic stop in Fairfax County, Virginia on Wednesday.

The shooting happened at about 3 p.m. in the 4000 block of Majestic Lane, according to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). The location is near Greenbriar Town Center, a popular shopping destination with dozens of retailers in Chantilly.

Two officers, who have not yet been publicly identified, were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds to their arms, according to FCPD. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

The gunman, whose identity has also not been made public, was shot at the scene and later died at the hospital.

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One of the officers was conducting traffic enforcement when the suspect's car pulled over "very abruptly" and slammed on his brakes, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said during a news conference.

The officer went up to the car and spoke to the lone suspect, who was "immediately hostile" and combative, according to Davis.

He allegedly refused to identify himself or provide his registration, and told the officer he was armed.

Other officers arrived at the scene and the man reached for his gun, which was holstered to a gun belt over his clothing. He was repeatedly asked to stop reaching for the weapon.

Davis said body camera footage showed the man pulling a semi-automatic pistol from his holster, leaning back in the driver's seat and immediately opening fire on the two officers who were standing near the driver's side door of his car.

A third uniformed Fairfax County police officer at the scene, assigned to patrol in the Fair Oaks district, saw the shooting from the opposite side of the car and fired at the suspect.

The two officers were shot as they were trying to prevent the man from pulling his gun, and did not discharge their weapons, according to Davis.

Officials pronounced the suspect dead at a local hospital.

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All three officers were wearing body cameras and videos were recovered from their in-car cameras.

"I'm certain that these officers are lucky to be alive," Davis said. "I'm certain that they were fired upon by a gunman whose intention was to kill them, and I'm certain that the bravery exhibited by the third officer on the scene ultimately saved their lives."

Two of the officers were seasoned employees, with 18 and 19 years of service. The other employee spent just a few years with the department.

Davis noted the suspect was acting "bizarre" and a toxicology report will be made during the autopsy to determine if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Fairfax County police closed Majestic Lane between Lee Jackson Highway and Meadow Hill Lane to investigate. Drivers have been asked to avoid the area and take an alternate route.

The incident on Wednesday was the first officer-involved shooting in Fairfax County this year. 

In 2024, there was one officer-involved shooting in the county.