Crime
Video shows moments Sydney Wilson fatally shot by Fairfax County officer Peter Liu in Reston
The Fairfax County Police Department has released body camera footage from a tragic incident that occurred last month in Reston, Virginia, resulting in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old woman.
The footage captures the moments leading up to the shooting of Sydney Wilson, who was reported to be in an agitated state. On September 16, crisis intervention-trained officer Peter Liu responded to Wilson’s apartment on Sunrise Valley Drive after her doctor expressed concerns about her mental health.
Upon arrival, Liu initially interacted with Wilson, who briefly opened her door before closing it and leaving the officer waiting outside for nearly 10 minutes.
When Wilson finally re-emerged, she was armed with a knife and immediately attacked Liu.
The body camera footage shows Liu repeatedly ordering Wilson to back away as she advanced towards him, slashing at him with the knife.
Despite multiple warnings, Wilson persisted in her aggressive behavior, forcing Liu into the hallway.
As Wilson lunged at Liu again, he fired three shots, striking her. The footage also reveals that Liu sustained a wound to his forehead during the struggle, inflicted by Wilson’s knife.
Additional officers arrived at the scene to assist, and Wilson was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis praised Liu’s actions, describing them as “valiant” and “exhibiting some grace under pressure.”
Davis noted that Liu gave Wilson at least eight verbal warnings before being forced to use deadly force.
Wilson, who was 6’5″ tall and weighed 330 pounds, had a history of mental health issues and prior interactions with law enforcement.
Officer Liu has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both a criminal and administrative investigation into the incident.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.