A United States Park Police (USPP) officer faces charges after fatally shooting another officer Sunday in McLean, Virginia, authorities say. Both were off duty at the time of the shooting.
Jesse Brown Hernandez, of McLean, was the victim, the Fairfax County Police Department said in a release. He was 22 and worked as a USPP officer.
Alexander Roy, 25, of McLean, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, police said.
Officers responded to reports that a man was accidentally shot inside an apartment in the 1700 block of Old Meadow Road just before 12:30 a.m., according to Fairfax County police.
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According to the initial investigation, Roy was attempting to dry fire, or simulating pulling the trigger of a firearm he believed was unloaded, when he unintentionally shot Hernandez.
Hernandez died at the scene.
Roy was detained and is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
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There were three off-duty USPP officers and one other person inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. They all knew each other, police said.
The United States Park Police shared the following statement with News4:
“We are aware of the incident involving off-duty United States Park Police (USPP) employees at a private residence in Fairfax County. The incident is under investigation by the Fairfax County Police Department and all questions related to this investigation will need to be referred to them. Our focus right now is on supporting the family, friends and coworkers of our employees involved in this tragic incident. USPP has nothing further to share at this time.”
The shooting remains under investigation. Police believe alcohol was a factor.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for more updates.
