A violent confrontation on the Interstate 495 Beltway near Washington, D.C., ended in tragedy Sunday afternoon after a man allegedly stabbed four people — killing one — before being shot and killed by a Virginia State Police trooper, authorities said.
A dog was also fatally stabbed during the incident.
What Authorities Say Happened
According to a police news release, the incident is being described as a road rage confrontation and is not believed to be terrorism-related.
Officials said the suspect, described only as an adult male, attacked multiple victims with a knife along the busy interstate. When a responding state trooper arrived on scene, the suspect allegedly confronted the trooper while still armed. The trooper then shot the suspect in what police described as self-defense.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims Identified
Among the four people stabbed was a 39-year-old woman who later died from her injuries. The conditions of the other three victims have not been fully detailed.
Authorities also confirmed that a dog was stabbed to death during the chaotic encounter.
Witnesses Describe a Terrifying Scene
Drivers caught in the traffic slowdown described a scene of confusion and horror.
One man said he was driving with his wife when traffic began to back up. At first, he assumed there had been a minor crash after noticing two vehicles that appeared damaged. But moments later, he saw two people covered in blood.
“I thought it was from an accident,” he said, until he spotted a man holding a knife.
He described seeing a woman attempting to intervene as the suspect continued swinging the weapon. Feeling frightened and unsure how to respond, he continued driving with the flow of traffic.
“It was really scary,” he said.
Another witness reported seeing a woman covered in blood trying to defend herself from the attacker.
A third driver, returning home from a weekend trip, said he saw what appeared to be a scuffle before realizing it was a stabbing. He then witnessed a state trooper arrive and fire multiple shots at the suspect.
Interstate Shutdown During Investigation
Several lanes of I-495 were shut down as law enforcement secured the scene and launched an investigation. Traffic was significantly impacted for hours while authorities processed evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Ongoing Investigation
Virginia State Police continue to investigate the full sequence of events, including what led to the confrontation between the individuals involved.
The incident has left commuters shaken and underscores how quickly roadway disputes can escalate into life-threatening violence.
More details are expected as investigators release additional information.
