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.