Alexandria Officer Not Charged In Shooting Of Suspect

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Alexandria police officer who shot a suspect in December won't be facing charges, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney announced Wednesday. The Commonwealth's Attorney concluded Officer Michael Vaccaro feared for his life and was justified firing his weapon in self defense. Virginia State Police investigated the officer-involved shooting per Alexandria Police Department policy.

Officers had responded to report of shots fired in the 1000 block of Vernon Street on Dec. 2. Police told The Washington Post the officer opened fire in the 900 block of North Patrick Street when the suspect pointed the gun at the officer and wouldn't put it down. The suspect went to the hospital with serious injuries.

The suspect, Michael Ligon, 28, of Alexandria, was indicted on charges of attempted malicious wounding of a Law enforcement officer, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in a public place, and being in a public place while intoxicated from alcohol, marijuana, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP).

Ligon faces up to 21 years for the charges. Five of the years are a mandatory sentence and cannot be suspended. He is being held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center awaiting trial.

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