Suspect dead after 2 officers shot during traffic stop in Fairfax County, police say

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Two Fairfax County officers were shot during a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon and the accused gunman is now dead, according to police.

What we know:

According to officials, as the two officers ordered the suspect to surrender his weapon, the suspect "leaned back" in his car and started shooting at the two officers. 

Once that happened, a third officer who had arrived to assist, opened fire on the suspect killing him at the scene. Police say the suspect was a 36-year-old man who lived in the area. His identity has not yet been released.

The two officers were taken a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries — they were hit in the upper arms and elbows. They are expected to be ok. 

The three officers involved in the incident are described as FCPD veterans with 19 years, 18 years and three years of experience.  Police did not detail which officers corresponded to those service dates.

Majestic Lane was closed between Rt. 50 and Meadow Hill Lane for hours and drivers are advised to use alternative routes. 

What they're saying:

According to Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, the suspect was initially pulled over for speeding, then authorities noticed the vehicle had expired tags. 

The officer who first pulled the suspect over was out enforcing normal traffic stops with his radar gun, then saw the suspect had expired tags. That's when the shooting began. 

FCPD's Major Crimes Unit and Commonwealth's attorneys are investigating the case.  

This was the first police-involved shooting in Fairfax County in 2025.  The last one was September 2024.