19-year-old Jaiden Carter dies after shooting during police undercover drug operation
WOODBRIDGE, Va. (7News) — A 19-year-old man has died following a police-involved shooting during an undercover drug operation in Prince William County on the night of Thursday, Sept. 1
According to information released by Prince William County Police Monday, one of the men shot during the multi-agency task force operation into fentanyl distribution died from his injuries.
UPDATE | Police share details of what led up to fatal Va. drug bust shooting of Jaiden Carter, 19
Police identified the man as Jaiden Malik Carter of Woodbridge, Virginia. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. in the 14700 block of Fox Glove Court in Woodbridge. Police said there was an exchange of gunfire between members of the task force and the two men.
A family member spoke to 7News Monday and said they believe Jaiden was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They want justice for Jaiden and are planning to host a protest Saturday, Sept. 10 at noon in Cloverdale Park. The protest will be followed by a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m.
RELATED | 2 shot during undercover operation into fentanyl distribution in Woodbridge: Police
Another 30-year-old man, who was also shot, remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. He's expected to survive.
Police say no task force member was struck or injured during the incident. A third person, an 18-year-old man, was also present during the exchange and was uninjured, police tell 7News. Officials also say at this time, it's not known if the rounds fired by police struck the men.
An investigation continues into the incident.
The Prince William County Police Department released the following statement on the ongoing investigation:
"At the direction of Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham and Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen, the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated to conduct the criminal investigation into the officer’s actions during the incident. The Arlington County Police Department will lead the criminal investigation along with other members from agencies in the region serving on the team. Once a thorough investigation is complete, the matter will be reviewed by the Honorable Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth Attorney for Prince William County, for determination of criminal liability regarding the actions by police. No agency involved in the shooting will be a part of the criminal investigation. The Prince William County Police Department will remain the lead with regard to the release of information to the community and news media, in consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and CIRT. Further details surrounding what occurred during this incident will be released when available. In addition to the independent criminal investigation, both involved agencies will conduct separate administrative investigations. The detectives involved in this incident will be placed on routine paid leave by their respective agency as both investigations continue. At this time, investigators with CIRT are seeking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident."
Anyone with information regarding this investigation can contact authorities at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip online. Any tips received will be relayed to CIRT investigators.
