Our criminal and administrative investigations continue after an officer deployed deadly force last night around 10 p.m. in the 7600 block of Lee Landing Drive in the Falls Church section of Fairfax County. Officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) entered a house while serving a narcotics search warrant and related arrest warrants. They were confronted by David Vo, 24, of Falls Church, who brandished an assault style weapon. A SWAT officer discharged his weapon striking Vo in the lower body. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and Vo was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released. None of the officers were injured.
A 25-year veteran of the department assigned to the West Springfield District Station returned fire after being shot upon by the suspect. The Office of the Medical Examiner found that none of the bullets fired by the officer struck anyone in the house. The investigation was reviewed by the Commonwealth Attorney's Office in December and the decision was made that a criminal review was not warranted. Chief Roessler determined that the officer should be returned to full duty.
The involved police cruiser was driven by a two-year veteran of the department with four years of law enforcement experience. The investigation was reviewed by the Commonwealth Attorney's Office in November and they determined that no charges will be placed. In addition, the Office of the Medical Examiner determined that the pedestrian had a blood alcohol level above .20, which is extremely high. Chief Roessler determined that the officer should be returned to full duty.
We are actively investigating an in-custody death in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. Patrol officers from our Franconia and Mount Vernon District Stations responded to the 4300 block of Mission Court for an overdose call for service at 4:32 yesterday afternoon involving 31-year-old Christopher Paul who was experiencing either a mental or medical health episode. A family member was struck in the head from his actions. When officers arrived on scene, they found the family member outside the house. Paul was inside the house. Crisis intervention trained officers entered the home, and tried to de-escalate the situation by speaking with Paul. He was actively trying to harm himself and fell on the floor. Immediately after Paul fell, officers safely placed him in handcuffs to prevent further harm to himself or others. After officers handcuffed him, Paul continued to flail and a supplemental nylon restraining device was used to restrict his leg movements t
