Welfare check turns fatal in Alexandria

Interim Chief of Alexandria PD, Raul Pedroso, holds a press briefing on the incident.Photo byWatchful Eye

Alexandria Police Department revealed a welfare check turned fatal on Tuesday.

According to APD, at around 10:45 p.m., a man called requesting a welfare check for a co-worker. He reportedly stated that his co-worker had made statements about harming himself and was armed with at least two guns.

APD said the officers that responded included some with specialized intervention and negotiation training. When they arrived, the individual in question, described as a white man in his 60s, came out of his apartment with a gun, APD reported.

During a press briefing, APD interim police chief, Raul Pedroso, explained that there is a stairwell landing when you exit the apartment, and that’s where the incident occurred.

Officers negotiated with the armed man for over 35 minutes trying to de-escalate the situation, according to APD. During that time, officers reportedly pleaded with the man to drop the gun.

But at around 11:21 p.m., he allegedly made “a threatening action,” and an officer shot and killed him.

APD confirmed the man never fired his gun. But Pedroso said, at this time, he can’t disclose what that threatening action was. However, the officers were wearing bodycams, and he said the footage will be released.

The chief also added that where this occurred was “in very close proximity to multiple apartment doorways and several officers.”

Only one officer fired, a 9-year veteran and member of the Special Operations Team, according to APD. The officer, who hasn’t been named, is on administrative leaving pending a two-part independent investigation.

The Critical Incident Response Team is conducting a criminal use-of-force investigation.

Afterward, the APD Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct an administrative inquiry monitored by the Office of Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor (AIPA).

According to Pedroso, AIPA did respond to the scene.

Pedroso also stated that those leading the investigation will make the decision on releasing the deceased man’s identity.

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