Crime & Safety
Woman In Custody, Richmond Highway Reopens After 2-Day Armed Standoff
An armed standoff ended about 36 hours after an armed woman barricaded herself in a car, police took her into custody in Hybla Valley.
Updated at 12:36 a.m. Thursday
HYBLA VALLEY, VA — An armed standoff between a woman armed with a gun and police ended early Thursday, about 36 hours after she barricaded herself in her car. Richmond Highway reopened after midnight Thursday after being closed since midday Tuesday.
"The woman was safely taken into custody. Richmond Highway will be opened soon. Thank you for your patience," Fairfax County Police tweeted after midnight Thursday.
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Police plan to share additional updates later on Thursday. Richmond Highway was reopening between Lockheed Boulevard and Boswell Avenue.
Authorities had been at the barricade in the 7400 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley since midday Tuesday.
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No one else is in the vehicle with the woman, officials said. News4's helicopter observed a "tactical robot passed her something" through a vehicle window on Tuesday.
Many residents had commented on the police department's Twitter feed urged police to end the standoff, citing the loss of income to area businesses and the traffic problems created by the road closure.
"When is enough enough? I know you are trying, but she cannot continue to impede the general public on a major roadway," tweeted one respondent.
Before the barricade ended, Fairfax County Police said that members of its Crisis Negotiations Team and clinicians were talking to the woman barricaded inside a car, who was suffering an apparent mental health crisis.
"We appreciate your continued patience as we work to peacefully resolve the situation," police said.
Videos From the scene. pic.twitter.com/R5QGhp8SIc
— Jonathan S. (@thejonsowl) March 28, 2023
The police activity affected Tuesday dismissals at nearby Fairfax County Public Schools locations Tuesday afternoon, although buses were dismissed. However, some experienced delays, and others were turned away. FCPS contacted impacted families via the bus delay notification system.
Patch will continue to update this breaking news story.
If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988. Immediate help is also available in an emergency by dialing 911. Additional mental health and suicide prevention resources are available online. Fairfax County's suicide prevention line through PRS CrisisLink is also available by texting"CONNECT" to 855-11 or calling 703-527-4077.
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