On Sunday in Virginia, a highway “road rage incident” reportedly escalated into a violent gang stabbing, resulting in at least two fatalities, as stated by authorities.
The attack took place on the southbound lane of Interstate 495 close to Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Fairfax County, which is roughly 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Among the four stabbing victims, a dog and a 39-year-old woman lost their lives. The suspect was also killed when police officers returned fire at the scene.
Officials indicated that the incident didn’t seem to be linked to terrorism.
Virginia State Police confirmed they received a report about the road rage occurrence around 1:17 p.m. A statement from the police said the stabbing happened either before or during their response.
Upon arrival, officers found a male suspect armed with a knife. During a confrontation, one officer shot and killed the suspect in what was described as an act of self-defense. Fortunately, the officers were unharmed, according to authorities.
The police identified the victim as a local woman who succumbed to her injuries. Sadly, the dog involved was also stabbed and died.
The incident provoked a significant police presence and led to the closure of certain expressway lanes. The Virginia Department of Transportation noted that the southbound 495 Express Lanes were closed due to law enforcement activity surrounding a major incident.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office collaborating with state police.
