Fairfax Co. police standoff ends with woman in custody, Richmond Highway reopens: FCPD
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — A Fairfax County standoff between an armed woman and SWAT and crisis negotiators, which eclipsed the 35-hour mark late Wednesday night, is finally over.
The woman, whom police said barricaded herself in a car with a gun, was safely taken into custody just after midnight, Fairfax County police said.
READ MORE | SWAT standoff with armed woman in car passes 35-hour mark in Fairfax County
"The woman was safely taken into custody. Richmond Highway will be opened soon. Thank you for your patience." Fairfax County police tweeted.
FCPD held a press conference on Thursday to discuss the incident.
Police told 7News earlier Wednesday they wanted the incident to end peacefully.
"We’ve been talking to her and just trying to make sure she understands that we’re here to make sure she goes home safely," Fairfax Police Department Lt. James Curry said.
At one point Wednesday afternoon, negotiators were heard utilizing a megaphone, saying phrases like, "I'm working with you," and, "you got to work with me," and also asking the woman to open her car window. Police also said the woman was provided food, water and cigarettes.
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A portion of Richmond Highway remained closed and had been closed since 11 a.m. Tuesday.
During the standoff, police told 7News they had been utilizing a phone to speak with the woman, who has not been identified. Sirens were also heard periodically throughout the afternoon.
"The original call for service came yesterday around 11 o’clock, and it started as an investigation -- a welfare check -- for a woman who was reported missing out of Maryland," Curry said. "It was that point in time when we were approached by a second woman who had stated she was abducted. From that, we were led to a car that was possibly involved, and it led to where we are today."
Police said there was a brief chase to Richmond Highway, and the woman in the car showed a gun.
When asked why this incident was treated with such care, in comparison to recent incidents like the Fairfax County Police-involved shooting at Tysons Corner Center in February, Curry said time is a key factor.
"I don’t want to compare two incidents, because like anything, the circumstances of each incident are always going to be different," Curry said. "Some, like this one, provide us time, and time is essential when we have time to give her, time to give us. This specific incident does give us the ability to bring our resources together, to get her on the phone, to have properly trained officers -- in that negotiation -- talk to her, listen to her, and it’s all about effective communication on these."
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It appears the woman in the car also posted to social media earlier in the day, defending herself, and saying she would never hurt or kidnap anyone.
The tense standoff caused frustration for many commuters and locals in the Alexandria area.
“I think it’s a big inconvenience," one resident said. "I did have to work all day yesterday and call out because there was no getting in and out. I really think it needs to be over with. I have never heard or seen anything like this here. Not in Virginia. Maybe in the movies, but not in Virginia.”
Fairfax County police did not identify the woman but 7News will keep you updated once we learn more about the incident.
