Woman and Dog Killed, Three Injured in I-495 Road Rage Stabbing; Suspect Fatally Shot by Police
ANNANDALE VIRGINIA, Authorities confirmed that a woman and a dog were fatally stabbed and three other individuals were injured following an apparent road rage incident Sunday afternoon along the southbound Outer Loop of Interstate 495 near Little River Turnpike.
According to preliminary findings, the violence began after a multi-vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway. Investigators believe the collision resulted from a road rage encounter that escalated when the suspect allegedly exited a vehicle armed with a knife and began attacking multiple people on the highway shoulder.
At least four individuals sustained stab wounds during the incident. Emergency responders arrived to chaotic conditions along the heavily traveled corridor. One victim was receiving CPR at the scene. Two victims were categorized as “red tag,” indicating critical, life-threatening injuries, while another was classified as “yellow tag,” signifying serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The woman who was stabbed later died from her injuries. A dog present during the incident was also fatally injured.
A source familiar with the investigation stated that the suspect was allegedly pursuing his wife and another family member prior to the crash. The source indicated that the suspect rammed their vehicle multiple times, forcing it off the roadway, before exiting and attacking them with a knife.
Good Samaritans who attempted to intervene were also reportedly stabbed. All injured victims were transported to area hospitals for further treatment.
Troopers with the Virginia State Police responded to the scene and confronted the armed suspect. Authorities stated that troopers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not released the suspect’s identity pending notification of next of kin. State police indicated that, at this time, the incident is not believed to be related to terrorism. The motive remains under investigation.
In accordance with standard procedure, the officer-involved shooting will undergo an independent review.
The incident led to the full closure of Interstate 495’s Outer Loop between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike (Route 236) in Annandale. Traffic was diverted at Exit 80A onto Route 29 and Route 50. Motorists were advised to expect significant delays and seek alternate routes while authorities processed the scene.
What began as a reported property-damage crash escalated into a fatal confrontation on one of the region’s busiest highways just outside Washington, D.C.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as officials complete their preliminary review and notify affected families.
