3 Shot In Sterling Walmart, Suspect In Custody: Sheriff's Office

Ashburn VA

02 January, 2021

8:39 PM

Description

STERLING, VA — Three people were shot during an attempted theft from a Walmart store in Sterling on Saturday, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The victims were injured while the suspect was being taken into custody for the larceny at Dulles Crossing Plaza in the afternoon. Two civilian loss prevention officers confronted the suspect at a Walmart after seeing him stealing items from the store. Two sheriff's deputies responded to arrest the suspected thief, leading to a struggle and the suspect pulled out a gun. He fired multiple rounds, striking one deputy and the two store employees, according to the sheriff's office. The suspect fled the store, leading to another sheriff's deputy and the suspect exchanging fire. The suspect was struck and fled the area in a vehicle he stole from a nearby parking lot. A lookout on the stolen vehicle was posted, and Fairfax County Police located the vehicle traveling south on Route 28. Fairfax County Police followed the vehicle, which crashed in the area of Presgraves Court in Chantilly. He was later taken into custody by Fairfax County Police on Pennsboro Drive in Chantilly and was taken to the hospital. Charges are pending, and the suspect's identity has not yet been released. The three victims were taken to a local hospital and are being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Virginia State Police and Fairfax County Police provided assistance to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office for this incident.