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.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Authorities have identified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot Monday afternoon while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga as Deputy Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department.
Deputy Nuñez was tragically killed after being struck in the head by gunfire during a confrontation with an armed suspect that led to a high-speed pursuit and crash along the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began at approximately 12:37 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga following reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nuñez.
Additional units immediately rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
Deputy Nuñez was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase traveled eastbound along the 210 Freeway, reaching high speeds through several communities.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, dozens of deputies, officers, and family members gathered in somber unity as news spread of Deputy Nuñez’s passing.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus was among those present, describing the event as a heartbreaking and devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Deputy Nuñez was a dedicated public servant who risked his life to protect others,” Sheriff Dicus said. “He exemplified courage, professionalism, and compassion — and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Andrew Nuñez had served honorably with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.
He is remembered as a devoted deputy, colleague, and friend who consistently demonstrated commitment to his duty and the residents he served.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI, is leading the investigation into the shooting and pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending formal charges.
The department announced that further updates, including funeral arrangements and memorial details, will be shared at a later time.
“Please keep Deputy Nuñez’s family, loved ones, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.