The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) released body camera footage from a deadly officer-involved shooting that took place last month in Reston, Virginia. The incident occurred on September 16 at an apartment complex, where 33-year-old Sydney Wilson was shot by Officer Peter Liu after charging at him with a knife.
The Incident Unfolds
Police Chief Kevin Davis held a press conference to release the footage, which shows Officer Liu attempting to make contact with Wilson following a welfare check call. When Liu arrived at Wilson’s door, he knocked and identified himself. However, Wilson briefly opened the door and then shut it again.
After several minutes of trying to get her to open the door, Wilson eventually emerged again, this time slashing at Officer Liu with a knife. She continued to advance toward him, forcing the officer to fire five shots, hitting her three times.
Officer and Suspect Injured
Officer Liu was injured during the attack, bleeding from knife wounds, but was able to call for assistance. Police officers on the scene administered CPR to Wilson and provided her with blood, but she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Officer Liu was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigation and Training
Chief Davis emphasized that the officer’s actions were in line with FCPD training protocols. The department has a co-responder program in place, where mental health professionals assist officers in certain situations. However, Davis stated that in this case, a co-responder would have been in danger as well.
Officer Liu is currently assigned to other duties while the internal investigation into the shooting continues.
