ALEXANDRIA — An Arlington County sheriff’s deputy is being held without bond after he was arrested and charged with murder.
Craig Patterson is accused of shooting and killing Julian Dawkins, 22, last week during an altercation.
Authorities are staying tight-lipped about the incident and the circumstances leading up to it.
“We cannot and do not intend to talk about the specific facts of this case,” Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel says. “The facts of this case will be disclosed appropriately in court.”
Officials are being careful not to reveal details prematurely, saying the case is open and the investigation is ongoing.
“There are still folks out there who either heard something or saw something or know something,” says Sengel, who called for witnesses to step forward.
Patterson was taken into custody Thursday night without incident. He was charged in connection with the case.
Prosecutors say he was off-duty during the shooting. He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
“It’s not human not to notice that you have a brother law enforcement officer involved,” explains Alexandria Chief of Police Earl Cook.
He reiterated the call for help from potential witnesses, and assured Patterson was not being afforded any special treatment.
“We do the exact same things whether it’s a police officer or not,” Cook says.
Patterson has a status hearing next week to determine a date for his preliminary hearing.
