Police ID suspect who was shot after grabbing an officer’s firearm
The Fairfax County Police Department has identified the suspect in a police-involved shooting in Annandale on July 28.
Officers responded to a residence in the 7000 block of Sutter Lane in Annandale at about 10 a.m. for a domestic incident involving a man armed with a knife, according to an update released by the FCPD on July 29.
When they arrived, they learned Nehemia Fuentes Banegas, 26, of Annandale, was armed with two knives and had stabbed himself before leaving the residence following a verbal argument.
Officers established a perimeter after determining Fuentes Banegas had left the residence on foot and requested assistance from the helicopter and K9 units. During the search, officers were directed to a wooded area off Americana Drive.
As they searched the area, Fuentes Banegas suddenly emerged from heavy brush, violently grabbed an officer’s firearm, and attempted to disarm him. The officer discharged his firearm while a second officer simultaneously deployed his department-issued taser.
Officers immediately rendered medical aid until personnel from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department arrived. Fuentes Banegas was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Related story: Police shoot domestic violence suspect in Annandale
During the investigation, the Real Time Crime Center used available camera footage to retrace Fuentes Banegas’ movements. The footage helped detectives locate the two knives he had been armed with before leaving the residence.
After being medically cleared, Fuentes Banegas was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with Attempted Disarming of a Law Enforcement Officer. He is being held on no bond.
The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as a 12-year veteran assigned to the K9 Unit. As required by department policy, the officer has been placed on restricted duty status, pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations. The name of the officer will be released within 10 days.
The criminal investigation into the use of force is being conducted by the Major Crimes Bureau. The body-worn camera footage will be released within 30 days in accordance with the department’s guidelines. The results of the criminal investigation will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting an administrative investigation in accordance with policy, along with an independent review by the Police Auditor.