A suspect who shot three people is in custody after being detained under suspicion of stealing from a Walmart in Sterling, Virginia, late Saturday afternoon.
According to a news release, the suspect was confronted by two loss-prevention officers after they saw him stealing items in the store. As he was taken to custody, by a Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputy, the suspect fought back and pulled out a firearm.
The suspect fired multiple rounds at the two loss-prevention officers, as well as the deputy, before attempting to flee. Another sheriff’s deputy chased and shot back at the suspect.
Despite being hit, the suspect was able to flee after stealing a pickup truck near the store.
Fairfax County Police found the suspect driving southbound on Route 28. The officers followed the pickup truck until it crashed near Presgraves Court. The driver was eventually arrested on Pennsboro Drive and taken to a hospital.
The deputy and loss-prevention officers were also taken to the hospital, Sheriff Michael Chapman said. They suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Fairfax County police had been searching for the suspect in Chantilly. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male with a pony tail, wearing a grey sweatshirt, grey sweatpants and black shoes.
The suspect’s name was not released. Police said that charges will be announced on a later date.
Residents were asked to avoid the Dulles Crossing Plaza in Sterling, Virginia, after the shooting.
Chapman said an earlier armed bank robbery at the shopping center does not appear to be related to the shooting.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and police said more details will be released as they become available.
Below is a map of the area where the incident occurred.
