Fairfax County Police Department News

Following further investigation, the suspect in the Annandale hostage barricade situation was charged on Tuesday, November 18. Omed Helmand, 32, 6614 Columbia Pike, was charged with malicious wounding, strangulation and abduction. He remains in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Hostage Barricade Situation on Columbia Pike (Nov. 18, 2012)

Police responded to a report of a 32-year-old woman in need of assistance at a home in the 6600 block of Columbia Pike on Monday, November 17. Upon arrival at around 4:45 p.m., officers were barred from entering by a male occupant of the home. In an abundance of caution, a section of Columbia Pike was blocked to traffic in both directions near Sleepy Hollow Road. Residents in the vicinity were contacted and asked to shelter-in-place.

Further investigation revealed that the man and woman were ex-boyfriend/girlfriend and that the man was allegedly agitated and making threatening statements. The man was identified as Omed Helmand, 32. He was reportedly armed.

Numerous police resources were utilized, including the agency’s Mobile Crisis Unit and negotiation team. The couple eventually came outside and both were taken into custody at around 11 p.m. Both were taken to the hospital to be checked for injuries.

Police subsequently secured a felony warrant for Helmand for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Additional charges are pending further investigation.