The Fairfax County Police Department released body-worn camera footage on Mar. 19 from the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 23 in Mantua, which resulted in three deaths and one critical injury.
The release of the video is part of the department’s ongoing effort to provide transparency as investigations into the incident continue. The footage is available on the department’s YouTube channel, with age verification required by YouTube policy.
According to preliminary findings, officers responded early in the morning to a domestic-related assault at a residence on Persimmon Drive. Upon arrival, they found an adult female outside suffering from stab wounds and then encountered Chhatra Thapa, 54, inside attacking another family member with a knife. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Thapa did not comply and was shot multiple times by Police Officer First Class Nicholas Brazones. Officers rendered medical aid but Thapa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two adult female victims were transported to a hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. A third victim remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A one-year-old child present in the home was unharmed and has been placed with family through coordination between Victim Services Division and Child Protective Services.
Officer Brazones has been placed on restricted duty status pending criminal and administrative investigations conducted by Major Crimes Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau respectively. The Independent Police Auditor will also review these findings before results are presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The police department emphasized that all information released so far is based on preliminary investigation and may be updated as more evidence becomes available.
