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Two Fairfax County police officers were wounded and an armed driver was killed after a traffic stop near Greenbriar erupted in gunfire Wednesday afternoon, April 23.
The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. in the 4000 block of Majestic. Police Chief Kevin Davis said the encounter began when an officer conducting radar enforcement saw a 1999 Toyota Corolla traveling at high speed.
The officer followed the car and activated his emergency equipment. According to Davis, the driver pulled over abruptly and slammed on the brakes.
Police identified the driver as Jamal Wali, 36, of Fairfax. He was alone in the vehicle.
Davis said Wali was immediately hostile and argumentative, refused to identify himself or provide identification, and told the officer he was armed. The chief said Wali repeatedly reached toward a firearm carried in a holster on a gun belt over his clothing.
Backup officers arrived as police tried to de-escalate the encounter. Two officers stood on the driver’s side of the Corolla and attempted to stop Wali from taking the gun from its holster.
“The gun comes out of the holster and he opens fire on these two cops,” Davis said.
A third uniformed officer, positioned on the opposite side of the car, fired at Wali after he began shooting. Police said Wali was struck four times.
Responding officers immediately provided lifesaving aid to the two wounded officers and Wali. Both officers were taken to local hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Wali was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Davis said he reviewed body-worn camera and dashboard-camera recordings before speaking at a press conference later Wednesday. He credited the third officer’s actions with saving the wounded officers’ lives.
The officer who shot Wali is a two-year department veteran assigned to the Fair Oaks Patrol District. Under department policy, the officer was placed on restricted duty while criminal and administrative investigations proceed.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Bureau are investigating the use of force. Their findings will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting a separate administrative investigation, and the Independent Police Auditor will review the incident. Police said the officer’s name will be released within 10 days and body-camera footage within 30 days, in accordance with department policy.
Investigators planned to obtain search warrants, examine the vehicle and review all available evidence. Davis said an autopsy and toxicology testing would also be conducted.
Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene. Davis said federal law enforcement officials also contacted him about the case.
The shooting was Fairfax County police’s first officer-involved shooting incident of 2025.