Fairfax County, VA – On July 28th at approximately 9:57 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 7000 block of Sutter Lane in Annandale for a domestic incident involving a man armed with a knife.
When officers arrived, they learned Nehemia Fuentes Banegas, 26, of Annandale, was armed with two knives and had stabbed himself before leaving the residence on foot following a verbal argument.
Officers established a perimeter after determining Fuentes Banegas had left the residence on foot and requested assistance from the Helicopter and K9 Units. During the search, officers were directed to a wooded area off Americana Drive.
As officers searched the area, Fuentes Banegas suddenly emerged from heavy brush, violently grabbed an officer’s firearm, and attempted to disarm him. The officer discharged his firearm while a second officer simultaneously deployed his department-issued taser.
Officers immediately rendered medical aid until personnel from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department arrived. Fuentes Banegas was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) used available camera footage to retrace Fuentes Banegas’ movements. The footage helped detectives locate the two knives he had been armed with prior to leaving the residence, pictured below.
Below is a still photo of the attempt to disarm by Fuentes Banegas from the officer’s body-worn camera.
After being medically cleared, Fuentes Banegas was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Attempted Disarming of a Law Enforcement Officer. He is being held on no bond.
The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as a 12-year veteran assigned to the K9 Unit. As per department policy, the officer has been placed on restricted duty status, pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigation.
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 guidelines. 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 an independent review by the 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.
To view Chief Davis’ press conference from the scene, click HERE.
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