Deadly Force Was Justified In Woodbridge Police Shooting, Report Says

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Authorities have completed a criminal investigation into a shooting involving undercover police officers that killed one person in Woodbridge. Investigators determined that the suspects shot first and the officers' use of deadly force was justified.

Authorities said the suspects exchanged gunfire with police officers after they robbed an undercover detective during an investigation into fentanyl distribution.

Authorities announced that one man, 19-year-old Jaiden Malik Carter, died after he was shot during the gunfight. Another man, 30-year-old Shane Dareon Pollard, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

In September, authorities said that two Prince William County police officers and two Manassas City police officers fired gunshots at the suspects. The police department said at least one of the suspects also fired gunshots. However, police officials have not confirmed if the officers' rounds were the ones that struck the two injured men.

The police department charged Pollard with one count of robbery resulting in a death. Authorities also arrested 18-year-old Jalil Michael Turner on Tuesday. He is charged with robbery resulting in a death and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

If convicted, Pollard and Turner could face up to life in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines. Both men are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 17.

According to a report from the Prince William County Police Department, a Manassas City detective arranged to buy fentanyl pills and a firearm. An undercover detective had previously purchased 500 fentanyl pills from Turner, authorities said.

The detective met Pollard, Turner, and Carter 14700 block of Fox Glove Court in Woodbridge on Sept. 1.

The three men arrived in a separate vehicle before one of them, who police identified as Turner, got into the detective's vehicle. Turner spoke with the detective, left, and got back into the vehicle with Carter, police said.

Authorities claimed that Turner then pulled out a handgun to rob the undercover detective. Meanwhile, Pollard used the other vehicle to block the detective's vehicle, according to the police report.

Carter had the detective open the trunk of his vehicle to look for the money that was supposed to be used to buy the gun and drugs. Carter and Turner took money and property from the detective, the police department said.

Carter, Pollard, and Turner then tried to drive away as other detectives arrived to arrest them, police said.

Investigators determined that one detective ordered the vehicle to stop before one of the suspects fired gunshots from their vehicle.

“In this incident, the danger posed by three suspects in the vehicle was real and posed an imminent threat of death or bodily harm to the officers,” Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth said in the report. “Accordingly, I find that the use of deadly force was both justified and reasonable under the circumstances of this tragic encounter.”

Investigators are still working to determine who fired the gunshots that struck Pollard and Carter.

"I’d first like to express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Carter," Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham said. "This is a tragedy and any loss of life, regardless of the circumstances, is difficult."

The undercover operation included officers from Manassas City, Manassas Park, Prince William County, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The four detectives who fired their guns were placed on administrative leave. The individual agencies are still conducting their own investigations separate from the criminal investigation.

“Anytime there is a loss of life, it is tragic and difficult for everyone. The officers involved were trying to remove dangerous narcotics (Fentanyl) and guns from our streets when they were faced with a life-threatening situation by being fired upon,” Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen said. “We are lucky and thankful that no further injuries to bystanders or the officers occurred.”

The Prince William County Police Department said more information could be released as investigations and cases continue.