Virginia Trooper Kills Suspect in Fatal I-495 Stabbing
A road rage incident on Interstate 495 near Washington, DC, turned deadly Sunday afternoon when a man fatally stabbed a woman and a dog before being shot and killed by a Virginia state trooper, authorities said.
Virginia State Police said a trooper responded to a report of a road rage incident following a crash on the southbound side of the Beltway in Fairfax County at approximately 1:17 p.m.
“When the trooper arrived on scene, he was confronted by a male suspect carrying a knife,” police said in a statement. “The trooper then shot the suspect in self-defense.”
The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.
Victims Identified
Authorities said a 39-year-old woman was fatally stabbed during the incident. A dog was also stabbed to death.
Three other people were injured in the attack. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Police described the incident as road rage and said it is not believed to be terrorism-related.
A preliminary investigation indicates the stabbings occurred after a crash on I-495 southbound. The crash itself remains under investigation.
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Multiple witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene on the busy interstate.
One driver told CNN he was traveling with his wife when traffic slowed and he noticed two vehicles that were “kind of banged up.” He then saw two people covered in blood and a man holding a knife.
A woman appeared to be attempting to stop the attacker, but the man continued swinging the weapon, the witness said.
“I just kept driving with the traffic,” he said. “It was really, it was really scary.”
Another witness told CNN he saw a woman covered in blood trying to defend herself from a man during what he later realized was a stabbing.
A third witness said he saw a scuffle and then observed a state trooper arrive and fire at least two to three shots at the suspect.
Traffic Disruptions and Investigation
Several lanes of I-495 were shut down for hours as law enforcement secured the scene and began their investigation. Traffic was slowed to a standstill along parts of the Beltway.
Virginia State Police have not released the identity of the suspect. Investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses as they work to piece together the sequence of events that led to the violent confrontation.
The shooting by the trooper will also be reviewed as part of standard procedure.
The deadly encounter unfolded in one of the busiest corridors of the Washington metropolitan area, underscoring how quickly a traffic dispute can escalate into violence.
Authorities have not indicated whether the victims and the suspect knew one another prior to the crash.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.