Day-Long Barricade Prompts Charges For Alexandria Man

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria man is facing charges after a barricade that lasted nearly 24 hours from Nov. 23 to 24.

John Thomas Bey, 52, of Alexandria, was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm in a school zone, attempted felonious assault, and malicious shooting into an occupied police vehicle. He had peacefully surrendered to police on Nov. 24 after barricading himself in the 1000 block of Woods Place on Nov. 23.

"This started off as a road rage incident and could have turned really bad, we are glad that this was a peaceful outcome and glad no one was hurt during this process," said Acting Police Chief Don Hayes in a statement. "But this really is a testament to the patience and professionalism of the members of the Alexandria Police Department and the agencies that supported us through this incident."

Police had originally responded to a report of shots fired during a road rage incident. When police came to apprehend the suspect around 12 p.m. at his home in the 1000 block of Woods Place, the man barricaded himself in the home.

During the barricade, police say the man shot several rounds at officers, but no officers discharged their weapons. There were no reported injuries.

Around 11:38 a.m. on Nov. 24, the man exited the house with his hands up. Police took him into custody without incident.

"We really appreciate the residents who showed trust and patience with us during this crisis situation and the agencies that helped to deliver the outcome we were hoping for," Hayes stated.

While the incident happened near Alexandria City High School, it did not impact operations since the school was closed for Thanksgiving break. During the barricade, police received assistance from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department, Office of Emergency Management, Alexandria Fire Department, Fairfax County Police, Arlington Police, Prince Williams County Police, Animal Control and Dominion Energy.