Fairfax County Police Chief Subdues Stabbing Suspect At Church

CHANTILLY, VA — A South Riding man is facing charges after two people were stabbed inside a Chantilly church Saturday, the Fairfax County Police Department said Sunday afternoon. When police officers arrived at the scene around 3 p.m., Chance Harrison, 32, was being restrained by several members of the congregation, including Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr.

Grace Covenant Church, on Brookfield Corporate Drive in Chantilly, was hosting an educational event when Harrison entered and stabbed a staff member without provocation, the police said. A man intervened and was also stabbed by Harrison, according to the FCPD. Harrison was subsequently confronted and subdued by Roessler and other church members.

A knife believed to have been used by Harrison was recovered from the scene. Both stabbing victims were taken to a hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries. Roessler received medical attention for what are preliminarily believed to be minor injuries, the FCPD said Sunday.

Harrison was taken into custody without further incident after he was restrained by Roessler and other church members.

Harrison was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, one count of felony assault on a police officer and one count of misdemeanor assault. He is being held without bond, the police said.

Harrison allegedly drove an SUV right up to the front entrance of Grace Covenant Church. A witness told News4 that he walked into a Bible study class at Grace Covenant Church and stabbed the pastor leading the class.

In a statement, the church said it is "grateful for the courage exhibited that prevented worse from happening," Fox 5 reported. "Lastly, we want to thank the broader community for their outpouring of concern and support in this time," the church added.

The FCPD is asking that anyone with additional information about this incident to contact its Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS, or by text by typing “FCCS” plus tip to 847411.