Suspect who fired at police during northern Virginia chase in custody
Credit: Fairfax County Police Department
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - A suspect who led police on a high-speed chase and shot a gun towards officers during multiple incidents Thursday in northern Virginia is in custody.
Arlington County Police (APD) say just before 9 a.m. Arlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies noticed a car stopped in a crosswalk near the 1400 block of North Courthouse Road.
As the deputies approached the car, they noticed a person inside the car pointing a gun at the ceiling of the car. The suspect then drove away.
Deputies immediately began pursuing the vehicle, and eventually found the car in a nearby garage. According to police, deputies instructed the suspect to park the car.
Police say the suspect stated he was in need of help. As offers approached the car, they noticed the gun in the suspect’s lap.
The suspect then drove away and struck a vehicle in the 1200 block of North Courthouse Road as he was getting away prompting Arlington County Police to respond to the scene.
According to Arlington County Police, officers continued efforts throughout the day to find the suspect. He was eventually located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he fled PG County officers who tried to stop him.
APD officers then saturated the area near the suspect’s hours and just prior to 8 p.m., located the suspect vehicle in the area of Columbia Pike and South Wakefield Street.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled and another pursuit was initiated.
During the pursuit, the suspect fired his weapon in the direction of the officers as they traveled in the 600 block of South Wakefield Street.
The pursuit then continued onto Arlington Boulevard in Fairfax County, where police say, the suspect struck multiple cars causing his car to become disabled near Graham Road.
The suspect then ran out of his car, and fired additional shots at Arlington County Police, Fairfax County Police and Virginia State Police as he was getting away on foot. During that time, an officer fired their gun at the suspect, but the suspect was not struck.
According to Fairfax County Police, officers then found the suspect hiding behind a nearby building.
He was taken into custody. No community members or police officers were injured during the incidents.
During an press conference Thursday evening, officials said, "it's a miracle no one was hurt."
After the suspect was taken into custody, police recovered a gun with an extended magazine at the scene.
Investigators identified the suspect as Ricardo Singleton, 27. He faces several charges in Arlington and Fairfax County for shooting at officers, eluding police, and recklessly handling a gun.
Authorities say the officer who fired their gun is an 11-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department assigned to the Special Operations Division. Per department policy, that officer has been placed on a restricted duty status, pending the outcome of an investigation.
The investigation into the incidents is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 703-228-4180. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-866-411-8477.