ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a Metro Transit Police officer-involved shooting following a series of vehicle-related offenses in the Rosslyn neighborhood.
The preliminary investigation indicates just prior to 11:30 a.m. on July 5, the adult male suspect approached an occupied vehicle at 19th Street N. and Fort Myer Drive and unsuccessfully attempted to open the vehicle’s door by pulling on the door handle before the driver drove away. The suspect continued walking along Fort Myer Drive, approached a second, unrelated, occupied vehicle, opened the back door, entered the vehicle and began yelling at the driver who subsequently exited their vehicle.
A Metro Transit Police officer observed the incident and gave the suspect commands to exit the vehicle. After the suspect exited, a struggle ensued as the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, during which the suspect fled the scene on foot.
A foot pursuit was initiated, during which Metro Transit Police deployed pepper spray. The suspect continued to flee on foot and entered a running, unoccupied trash truck at N. Kent Street and 19th Street N. A Metro Transit Police officer gave the suspect commands to exit and the suspect remained inside the vehicle. The officer then discharged their firearm, striking the suspect.
Metro Transit Police immediately began lifesaving measures before medics transported the suspect to an area hospital. The suspect remains hospitalized in stable condition.
There are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the community related to this incident.
