The police officers who shot and killed a man during a traffic stop last month acted properly and within “established guidelines,” according to the results of a preliminary investigation.
The shooting happened Monday, May 17 during a traffic stop on the Glebe Road off-ramp of I-395. In a statement released Friday afternoon, the Arlington County Police Department said that the suspect was shot after he used his truck to pin an officer against another vehicle.
The full ACPD press release is below.
The preliminary investigation into the officer involved shooting on May 17, 2017 has been completed. Chief M. Jay Farr announced today, “this incident remains an active police investigation, however, based on the information revealed during the preliminary investigation, we believe that our officers’ actions were prudent, reasonable and within our established guidelines.”
To summarize this incident, at approximately 4:32 p.m. on May 17, 2017, Arlington County Police attempted a traffic stop on a wanted suspect traveling on I-395 at Jefferson Davis Highway based on a lookout received from a license plate reader. The suspect initially stopped for officers, but fled the scene and maneuvered around the officers and continued traveling along I-395. The officers continued to travel in the same direction as the suspect vehicle but no pursuit was initiated. The suspect exited I-395 at Glebe Road where he encountered heavy traffic and officers again attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Based on officer accounts as well as independent witnesses and crime scene evidence, when officers approached the vehicle on foot, the suspect initially stopped the vehicle and opened the door but then made a decision to close the vehicle door, place it in drive and ultimately struck an officer pinning him against another vehicle. At that time, shots were fired by officers, injuring the suspect. Officers were then able to move the suspect vehicle and free the officer. Officers performed life saving measures on the suspect before he was transported to Virginia Hospital Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. The officers involved were Officer S. Yanda and Corporal M. Chattillion.
We are committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Arlington County and remaining transparent with the public. Upon completion of our investigation, the findings will be provided to the Commonwealth Attorney for independent review and additional information may be released at that time.