Fairfax police release body-worn camera footage of Reston officer-involved shooting

RESTON, Virginia (7News) — Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis on Monday released body-worn camera footage of the officer-involved shooting involving a knife-wielding woman in Reston on September 16, 2024.

The woman was killed in the incident that began as a welfare check.

Watch the press conference below:

An officer went to a home in the 11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive for a welfare check around 10:17 a.m. after the department received a request from a mental health professional to check on Sydney Wilson, 33 , who would have been agitated, according to officials.

An officer trained in crisis intervention knocked on Wilson’s door. Authorities said she opened the door and immediately closed it.

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The officer continued to try to speak with Wilson and after about two minutes, she opened the door again, this time armed with a knife.

Officials say Wilson immediately assaulted the officer outside the home. The officer was able to back away and attempted to deescalate the situation with verbal commands.

Wilson continued to approach with the knife and the officer discharged his weapon, striking Wilson three times, officials said.

Responding officers began to assist until EMS personnel arrived. Wilson was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, officials said.

The officer involved was taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. The officer was identified as a 14-year veteran assigned to the Reston Patrol District, according to officials.

Per department policy, the officer was placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the investigation into the shooting.