5 Victims Shot In Mount Vernon Area, Gunman Sought

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Five victims are recovering and a gunman is sought after a shooting in the Mount Vernon area early Tuesday, according to Fairfax County Police.

Around 12:57 a.m. officers responded to the 7900 block of Janna Lee Avenue and found five victims with gunshot wounds. Officers and fire department personnel provided aid to the victims. The victims were taken to hospitals and are recovering. All injuries are serious but non-life-threatening.

The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 19, according to Maj. Ed O'Carroll. Three of the victims are female, and two are male.

"This is a time for this country to heal, and this act of senseless gun violence in our community, as I said, is unacceptable, and we need our community's help not only to heal but to solve this horrific crime," said Police Chief Ed Roessler Jr. at a news conference.

The shooter is described as a tall man of an unknown race wearing a face covering. O'Carroll said the man should be considered armed and dangerous.

"A case like this is very rare in Fairfax County, with a number of rounds fired, the number of victims and their ages," said O'Carroll. "So our detective work continues and no doubt it will for some time."

Anyone with information on the suspect or case should contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 or Crime Solvers through 1-866-411-TIPS.