A police standoff inside a Columbia Pike 7-Eleven has ended with gunfire.
Around 9 p.m. several ambulances were dispatched to the standoff on the 3600 block of Columbia Pike, after reports of shots being fired. One person, believed to be the wanted man who barricaded himself in the store, was reported to be shot multiple times and critically wounded. Medics were also sent to treat at least several officers for unspecified injuries.
The gunfire could be heard on video from the scene, posted by one of the numerous onlookers who gathered across the street to watch the ongoing standoff with the wanted man, who was said to be armed with a knife.
The Arlington County Police Department confirmed the shooting in a social media statement just before 10 p.m.
“While attempting to take suspect into custody, he produced a knife,” ACPD said. “Two officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. He was transported to a hospital with life threatening injuries. The NOVA Critical Incident Response Team will investigate the shooting.”
Earlier: Columbia Pike is blocked between S. Monroe Street and Glebe Road due to a standoff involving a wanted suspect.
Police were initially dispatched to the 7-Eleven store at 3602 Columbia Pike around 6:30 p.m. for a report of a man in a high-visibility vest threatening people. When police arrived the man brandished a knife, leading officers to draw their guns, according to scanner traffic.
Eventually he entered the store and has since refused to come out. A police negotiator, a K-9 unit, and drone operators were dispatched to the scene and the Pike was closed in front of the store. Police say the suspect, who was still barricaded as of publication time, is a wanted man.
“The wanted suspect remains inside a convenience store in the 3600 Columbia Pike and officers continue to work to safely take him into custody,” Arlington County police said on social media just before 8 p.m. “All patrons and employees safely exited the store. Expect a continued police presence.”
UPDATE: The wanted suspect remains inside a convenience store in the 3600 Columbia Pike and officers continue to work to safely take him into custody. All patrons and employees safely exited the store. Expect a continued police presence.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) May 8, 2026
