'Road rage incident' turns deadly as Virginia highway stabbing leaves 2 people dead; dog also killed

Authorities reported a tragic road rage incident on Sunday in Virginia, leading to the deaths of two individuals following a violent series of stabbings.

The incident unfolded on the southbound lanes of I-495, close to Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Fairfax County, just about a half-hour’s drive from Washington, D.C.

Among the casualties was one of the four stabbing victims and a dog. The assailant was also fatally shot when officers, responding to the emergency, returned fire.

Officials have indicated that this event does not appear to be linked to terrorism.

officials block highway lanes amid heavy police presence

On March 1, 2026, Virginia police were summoned to the scene of the stabbings on I-495 at Little River Turnpike.

A statement from Virginia State Police mentioned that a trooper arrived at approximately 1:17 p.m. after reports of a road rage situation.

“The stabbings occurred before or as the trooper was responding,” authorities added in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Responding police reportedly found a male suspect armed with a knife. During the confrontation, the trooper reportedly shot the suspect in self-defense. Authorities added that the responding trooper was left unharmed.

State police identified the deceased victim as a 39-year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries. The dog involved was also fatally stabbed.

aerial view of highway traffic and lane closure

Virginia state police reportedly found a knife-wielding suspect following reports of a mass stabbing on I-495 at Little River Turnpike. (Commonwealth of Virginia traffic camera)

The incident prompted a shutdown of the highway amid reports of a heavy police presence.

“I-495 and 495 Express Lanes southbound past Gallows Road is closed due to a major incident,” the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Northern Virginia office said, adding that the lanes were “blocked due to police activity.”

Fairfax County police vehicle on city street

A Fairfax County police car is parked on a street on October 30, 2021, in Virginia. ((Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images))

The crash is under investigation.

The Fairfax County Police Department told Fox News Digital that it is assisting state police troopers.

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