Crime & Safety

Suspect Caught After Shots Fired at Police Cruiser in Fairfax County

Herndon resident, 21, faces attempted capital murder charges related to shooting of police car Sunday night in Great Falls area.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Police have arrested a suspect who they say shot at a police cruiser Sunday night in the Great Falls area.

Earlier Tuesday, the suspect involved in the shooting at the officer’s marked cruiser on Sunday was charged by Fairfax County Major Crimes detectives. Brian Neftali Landaverde, 21, of 2171 Astoria Circle, Herndon, was charged with attempted capital murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

"I'm thankful our officer is doing well and we're providing him support to get through this," Chief of Police Col. Edwin C. Roessler, Jr.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Police say the gun used in the shooting was stolen and is undergoing forensic testing.

Landaverde was incarcerated at the Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges from the Town of Herndon Police Department. A Herndon detective contacted the FCPD Major Crimes detectives and provided them information that ultimately led to Fairfax County charges against Landaverde.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

During the FCPD investigation, it was determined that there were a total of three people in the suspect’s car just prior to the shooting on Rossmore Court in the Great Falls area; Landaverde and two juveniles, identified as 17 and 16 years old. One of the juveniles bailed out of the car prior to the shooting. The location of the suspect’s car is still unknown.

Police did not elaborate on who was driving the car in Great Falls.

The suspect was apprehended near Alabama Drive in Herndon, police said.

Watch a video below of the FCPD Chief's news conference Tuesday afternoon:

PHOTO: Suspect Brian Neftali Landaverde/FCPD photo

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Support These Local Businesses

+ List My Business

More from McLean