A Virginia woman named Sydney Wilson, 33, was pronounced dead at a hospital on September 16 after being shot by a Fairfax County police officer in Reston, Virginia.
The Fairfax County Police Department confirmed that the incident occurred when officers responded to a welfare check request from a mental health counselor, who reported that Wilson was in an “agitated state,” the DailyMail reports.
According to authorities, the officer arrived at the 11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive at approximately 10:20 a.m. to conduct the welfare check.
Wilson, upon seeing the officer, reportedly became confrontational and brandished a knife. Despite repeated attempts by the officer to de-escalate the situation, Wilson allegedly advanced toward the officer with the weapon.
The officer, fearing for his safety, fired his service weapon, striking Wilson. In the video you can see blood dripping from the officer. Wilson was immediately worked on and then transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed during a press briefing that the welfare check had been requested by a mental health professional who had expressed concerns about Wilson’s condition.
“This was a tragic outcome to what was intended as a routine welfare check. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” Davis said.
Body camera footage of the incident is currently under review by the Fairfax County Police Department and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. As per standard procedure, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.