Fairfax Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man Outside Convenience Store

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A City of Fairfax police officer shot a man armed with a knife outside a Wawa early Saturday after the man refused repeated commands to drop the weapon, according to police.

Officers responded to the Wawa at 9700 Fairfax Blvd. shortly before 12:10 a.m. for a report of a person armed with a knife.

Police said officers encountered the man just inside the store's front entrance. After he failed to comply with commands to drop the knife, police said he exited the business while still holding the weapon.

During the encounter, one officer fired a department-issued handgun, striking the man.

Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

No officers or bystanders were injured.

Under department policy, the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Northern Virginia Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting. Police said the man's identity will be released at a later date.