Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA – Today the body-worn camera footage from the September 28 non-fatal officer-involved shooting in Burke was released. The following information is based on the preliminary and ongoing investigation. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed. The video will be posted on the Department’s YouTube page. Per YouTube’s policy viewers may be requested to sign into a YouTube account to verify age.  

To watch today’s press conference click here.

To view the body-worn camera footage in full, click here.

(Originally Published on October 8, 2025)

West Springfield Police District – The criminal and administrative investigations continue into the September 28 officer-involved shooting in the 9700 block of Church Way in Burke.

During negotiations, a man experiencing a mental health crisis retrieved a portable propane hand torch and firearm. Officers deployed two less-than-lethal bean bag projectiles, and an officer discharged her firearm striking the man in the lower body. The man remains hospitalized at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is being held on a Temporary Detention Order.

The officer who discharged their firearm has been identified as Police Officer First Class (PFC) Diana Thomas, a 6-year veteran of the department. PFC Thomas is assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team. She is on restricted-duty status while the investigation continues.

The body-worn camera footage will be released within 30 days of the incident in accordance with the department’s guidelines.  

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

(Original release published on September 30, 2025)

West Springfield Police District— On September 28, at approximately 10:13 p.m., officers responded to the 9700 block of Church Way in Burke for a weapons call involving a person in crisis. The complainant reported that a man in crisis was inside a home using a chainsaw and ax to destroy items. Officers located the man in front of his home acting erratically and drinking alcohol.

Crisis Intervention Trained officers attempted negotiations with the man for nearly an hour. During the negotiations, he retreated into the garage and picked up a portable propane hand torch. He then retrieved a firearm, racked the slide, and placed it inside his waistband. Despite repeated commands to disarm himself, he refused to do so.

Officers deployed two less-than-lethal bean bag projectiles. An officer then discharged her firearm striking the man in the lower body. Officers began performing life-saving measures until relieved by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. After receiving care, he was held on a Temporary Detention Order.

The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as a 6-year veteran assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team. As per department policy, the officer has been placed on restricted duty status, pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations. 

The criminal investigation into the use-of-force is being conducted by the Major Crimes Bureau. The body-worn camera footage will be released within 30 days in accordance with the Department’s policy. The results of the criminal investigation will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Our Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting an administrative investigation in accordance with policy, along with a review by the Independent Police Auditor. The name of the officer will be released within 10 days and in accordance with the Department’s policy.

All information provided in this release is based on preliminary investigative findings and may be subject to revision as the investigation progresses.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.