Commonwealth’s attorney launches review of fatal police shooting |  princewilliamtimes.com

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the police-involved shooting in the Four Seasons area of Dumfries last night. Details are still forthcoming. We are currently awaiting the findings of the team assembled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and expect a thorough and transparent investigation. Regardless of the findings, this is a tragedy for our community, and my heart goes out to the family and all affected by the events of last night.” ~Supervisor Kenny Boddye

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Commonwealth’s attorney launches review of fatal police shooting |  princewilliamtimes.com

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth has launched a review of a police-involved shooting that claimed the life of a 79-year-old Four Seasons man Thursday night, her office announced Friday.

An “incident review team” consisting of Ashworth, Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristina Robinson and another deputy county attorney will review all police-worn body camera footage as well as all evidence collected and interviews conducted by police.

The team will conduct follow-ups “as necessary,” according to a statement from Ashworth’s office. The timeline for the review is not yet known, the statement said. Meanwhile, acting Police Chief Jarad Phelps issued a video announcement Friday afternoon, promising “a complete and comprehensive investigation of the facts so an unbiased, independent decision can be made concerning the officers’ actions.”

“This process is already under way but it will take time. The integrity of the investigation is paramount. I realize the community has questions and once we are able to release more information, we will do so,” Phelps added. “I’m asking for your patience and your understanding until all facts are known.” Phelps also called the fatal shooting “heartbreaking” and asked the community to keep the victim’s family, as well as the public safety officers involved, in their thoughts and prayers.

Five Prince William County police officers fired shots at the victim, who has not yet been identified, after they encountered him returning to his home armed with a handgun sometime after 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10.

The man had made “concerning statements” to his wife about an hour earlier and had left their home on foot, walking toward a nearby wooded area.

He was spotted by a police helicopter and eventually encountered the police officers while returning to his home, according to 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok, spokesman for the Prince William County Police Department.Officers responded to the home, located in the 3600 block of Secret Grove Court in the Four Seasons subdivision, at about 7:15 p.m., Perok said Thursday.

It’s not yet clear whether the man fired his gun at the police officers during the encounter, Perok said. The man was transported to a nearby hospital and died of his injuries, Perok said. All five officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid leave while both an internal police investigation and a criminal investigation into the incident are complete, Perok said…

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