A violent Virginia highway stabbing left two people and a dog dead Sunday after what authorities described as a “road rage incident” spiraled out of control on Interstate 495. The attack unfolded in broad daylight near Little River Turnpike in Annandale, roughly 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.
“A Virginia State Police trooper was called to the scene at approximately 1:17 p.m. for a reported road rage incident,” Virginia State Police said. “The stabbings occurred before or as the trooper was responding,” authorities added in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Responding officers encountered a male suspect armed with a knife. During the confrontation, a state trooper shot the suspect in self-defense. Officials confirmed the trooper was unharmed. Authorities later stated the suspect died after officers returned fire.
One of four stabbing victims, identified as a 39-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries. A dog involved in the incident was also fatally stabbed. Officials said the attack does not appear to be terrorism-related.
The violence forced a major shutdown along the heavily traveled corridor. “I-495 and 495 Express Lanes southbound past Gallows Road is closed due to a major incident,” the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Northern Virginia office reported, noting the lanes were “blocked due to police activity.”
The Fairfax County Police Department confirmed it is assisting Virginia State Police with the investigation. Authorities continue to examine the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation on one of the region’s busiest highways.
