News

UPDATED: Two people shot in Alexandria’s West End

By Emily Leayman and James Cullum
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The Alexandria Police Department responded to a shooting that injured two people in the West End tonight (Saturday).

The shooting was reported around 7:03 p.m. in the area of 5335 Duke Street and the 100 block of N. Paxton Street. The two adult male victims were taken to the hospital. An APD spokesperson told ALXnow one victim was in stable condition and the other in critical condition.

A 911 caller reported hearing an argument as well as four gunshots and found a person on the ground. According to dispatches, one victim was located near a business and another at the fire station in stable condition.

One victim reported kicking the gun under a vehicle, and an officer confirmed the gun had been secured, according to police dispatches.

The suspect reportedly fled on foot and was described as a Black male with a thin build, shoulder-length dreadlocks and wearing a black shirt. The APD spokesperson said no arrests have been made.

Officers remain on scene. The 100 to 200 block of N. Paxton Street is closed. APD advised residents to avoid the area and expect an increased police presence.

Anyone with information can call the APD non-emergency line at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

This story has been updated with additional details from APD.

About the Authors

  • Emily Leayman is the editor of ALXnow and contributes reporting to ARLnow and FFXnow. She was previously a field editor covering parts of Northern Virginia for Patch for more than eight years. A native of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she lives in Northern Virginia.

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.