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Manhunt continues for teen shooter who killed 14-year-old in Fairfax County
The manhunt for a teenage who shot and killed a 14-year-old Wednesday afternoon in Fairfax County continues as police try to uncover the motive for what led to the deadly attack.
HERNDON, Va. - The manhunt for a teenager who shot and killed a 14-year-old on Wednesday afternoon in Fairfax County continues as police try to uncover the motive for what led to the deadly attack.
Police have identified the teen suspect they’re looking for as 18-year-old Ismael Cruz-Delcid. He's accused in the deadly shooting of another teenager in Herndon.
Ismael Cruz-Delcid, 18. Photo via Fairfax County Police Department
The shooting was reported just after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 13000 block of Coppermine Road in the McNair and Herndon areas not far from Dulles International Airport.
In a press conference at the scene, Fairfax County Deputy Police Chief Brooke Wright said the shooting stemmed from a fight that broke out between three young people near the entrance of an extended-stay hotel.
"There was a dispute among some young people who knew each other," Wright said. "It was three people involved, two victims and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation. At some point, they separated physically. The suspect pulled a firearm and shot at least three rounds."
Wright said it is unclear how many rounds struck the teenager who was killed. "And there was another victim, who is also a teenager, who was shot at and not struck," she continued.
At one point during the investigation, Wright said police had information to suggest the alleged shooter was making his way toward nearby Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School. The school was placed into a Secure the Building status as police activity continued.
Wright said they do not believe the shooting was a random act.
"We have a teenager who's dead and shouldn’t be. And I can't imagine anything more devastating for that kid’s family," she said.
Jose Diaz has been living at the extended stay and said one of his daughters knew the 14-year-old who died.
"They used to go to the teen center together out here," Diaz told FOX 5. "My daughter saw the picture online. She was like, ‘I know this kid. I just went to a Wizards game with him.' You really don’t know what will happen if you get involved in a situation like this. Best bet is try to talk it out or if you can’t figure something out, just step away from each other. Turn away and go the other way."
Investigators believe Delcid is Hispanic and was last seen wearing all black clothing.
Fairfax County police stated that the suspect fled in a Honda Civic and, as of this writing, authorities have not been able to find him. Warrants have been obtained for the suspect for Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Detectives have also obtained an additional warrant for Distribution of Cocaine from a previous narcotics investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at their Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800.