Crime
Woman and Dog Killed, Three Others Injured in Road Rage Stabbing on I-495, Suspect Fatally Shot by Police
ANNANDALE, Va. (Fairfax County) — Authorities confirm that a woman and a dog were fatally stabbed and three additional individuals were injured following an apparent road rage incident Sunday afternoon along the southbound Outer Loop of Interstate 495 near Little River Turnpike.
According to preliminary findings, the violence began after a multi-vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway.
Investigators believe the collision stemmed from a road rage encounter that rapidly escalated when the suspect allegedly exited a vehicle armed with a knife and began attacking multiple people on the highway shoulder.
At least four people sustained stab wounds during the incident. Emergency responders arrived to find chaotic conditions along the heavily traveled corridor.
One victim was undergoing CPR at the scene. Two victims were categorized as “red tag,” indicating critical, life-threatening injuries, while one additional victim was classified as “yellow tag,” signifying serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The woman who was stabbed succumbed to her injuries.
A dog present during the incident was also fatally wounded.
A source familiar with the investigation told Channel2 NOW that the suspect was allegedly pursuing his wife and family member prior to the crash.
The source indicated that the suspect rammed their vehicle multiple times, forcing it off the roadway, before exiting his vehicle and attacking them with a knife.
Good Samaritans who attempted to intervene were also reportedly stabbed.
All injured victims were transported to area hospitals for further treatment.
Troopers with the Virginia State Police responded to the scene and confronted the armed suspect.
Authorities state that troopers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity pending notification of next of kin. State police have stated that, at this time, the incident is not believed to be related to terrorism. The motive remains under investigation.
As is standard protocol, the officer-involved shooting will undergo an independent review.
The incident prompted the full closure of Interstate 495’s Outer Loop between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike (Route 236) in Annandale. Initially, several lanes were blocked; however, traffic alerts later confirmed that all lanes in the area were shut down.
Drivers were diverted at Exit 80A onto Route 29/Route 50. Motorists were advised to expect significant delays and seek alternate routes while authorities processed the extensive crime scene.
What began as a reported property-damage crash escalated into a fatal and violent confrontation on one of the region’s busiest highways just outside Washington, D.C.
The investigation remains active. Additional details are expected to be released as officials complete their preliminary review and notify affected families.
ANNANDALE, Va. (Fairfax County) — A motor vehicle collision on the southbound Outer Loop of Interstate 495 escalated into a violent stabbing incident Sunday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the complete shutdown of the highway in the area.
According to preliminary reports, the incident began as a multi-vehicle crash near Little River Turnpike (Route 236).
Shortly after the collision, a suspect allegedly exited one of the vehicles armed with a knife and began attacking individuals at the scene.
At least four people sustained stab wounds during the assault. Emergency medical personnel quickly established a triage area along the highway shoulder.
One victim was undergoing CPR at the scene.
Two victims were classified as “red tag,” indicating critical, life-threatening injuries, while one victim was categorized as “yellow tag,” signifying serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Additional assessments were ongoing as responders worked to stabilize patients for transport to area hospitals.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as fire and rescue crews provided life-saving treatment amid heavy traffic congestion and a significant law enforcement presence.
Responding troopers with the Virginia State Police confronted the armed suspect.
Authorities report that troopers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect and bringing the attack to an end.
The suspect’s identity and medical condition have not yet been released. Officials have also not provided information regarding a possible motive.
An investigation into the officer-involved shooting is underway in accordance with standard protocol.
As the situation unfolded, all lanes of Interstate 495’s Outer Loop were shut down between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike.
Traffic alerts confirmed that drivers were being diverted at Exit 80A onto Route 29/Route 50.
Motorists in the region were advised to expect significant delays and to seek alternate routes as investigators processed the scene and emergency crews cleared the roadway.
Authorities described the incident as evolving rapidly from a property-damage collision to a violent assault on one of the region’s busiest commuter corridors just outside Washington, D.C.
The investigation remains active. Additional information is expected to be released as officials complete preliminary findings and notify affected families.