Loudoun Fugitive Fires Police Officer's Gun During Scuffle: ACPD

ARLINGTON, VA — A 50-year-old man suspected of shoplifting is facing a felony weapons charge after he fought and disarmed an Arlington County Police officer and fired the officer's weapon, according to police. No injuries were reported.

Officers responded around 4:38 p.m. on Wednesday to the 700 block of N. Glebe Road for the report of larceny at a Ballston business. Investigators determined that a man entered the business, concealed merchandise and tried to leave without paying, according to police. When the man was confronted by loss prevention personnel, he fled on foot.

ACPD issued a lookout for the suspect, who was located in the area of 7th Street N. and N. Vermont Street by the officer who first responded to the report of a larceny, according to police.

The officer tried to take the man into custody, but he ignored her commands to stop and continued to run. The officer ran after the suspect, who entered the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of N. Vermont Street, according to police.

When the officer tried again to arrest the men, he began fighting with the officer. During the struggle, the suspect grabbed the officer's firearm, which discharged a round, according to police. Eventually, the officer was able to recover the weapon and took the man into custody with the help of other officers. No injuries were reported.

ACPD charged 50-year-old Gary McDonald of Washington, D.C. with attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer, disarm law enforcement officer, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by felon, petit larceny and two counts of obstruction of justice.

Police served McDonald with outstanding warrants out of Loudoun County. He was then held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility. Although ACPD reported McDonald's address as "unknown," Loudoun General District Court lists his address as Washington, D.C.

“The officer demonstrated great bravery in the face of clear and present danger to himself and the community,” said Chief Andy Penn. “His quick actions to subdue the non-compliant suspect brought a safe resolution to an active threat. I am thankful the officer was not injured and that a dangerous individual is now in police custody to be held accountable for his actions.”

In Loudoun County, McDonald has 13 outstanding charges stemming from a May 17, 2022 arrest, in which he faced multiple charges, including felony accessory to forgery, misdemeanor possession of a fictitious drivers license or ID, identity theft, falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, attempting to obtain money under false pretenses, and larceny possession of a credit card number, according to court documents

On July 20, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for McDonald, after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in Loudoun General District Court. A hearing was scheduled for Jan. 23, 2024 on the identity theft charge, but McDonald was still listed as a fugitive, according to court records.

“The officer demonstrated great bravery in the face of clear and present danger to himself and the community,” said Chief Andy Penn. “His quick actions to subdue the non-compliant suspect brought a safe resolution to an active threat. I am thankful the officer was not injured and that a dangerous individual is now in police custody to be held accountable for his actions.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).