Officer-Involved Incident Sparks Investigation Amid Mental Health Concerns

Incident Overview

At approximately 10:17 a.m. on September 16, officers responded to a welfare check requested by a mental health professional. They were called to check on Wilson, who had reportedly been in an agitated state.

A crisis-intervention-trained (CIT) officer, Police Officer First Class (PFC) Peter Liu—a 14-year veteran—attempted to engage with Wilson at her residence. After the officer knocked for two minutes, Wilson opened the door holding a knife and attacked Liu. Despite attempting to de-escalate verbally, the officer discharged his firearm, striking Wilson three times. Liu sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital.

Investigative Proceedings

Investigations are being conducted on two fronts:

• The Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau is examining the incident to assess the criminal justification for the use of force.
• The Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting an administrative investigation with oversight from the Police Auditor to ensure compliance with policy.

Body-worn camera footage will be released within 30 days, and findings from the investigation will be presented to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for review.

Mental Health and Police Accountability

This incident highlights the role of CIT officers, trained specifically to manage crises involving mental health. While police staff aimed to de-escalate the interaction, the tragic outcome sparks broader questions on systemic gaps in mental health services and the role law enforcement should play.

Community and Policy Implications

The police department plans to release updates, including bodycam footage and the officer’s name, as outlined by department policy. Meanwhile, Fairfax County residents continue to debate how such situations could be mitigated through better support systems, training, and communication between police and mental health agencies.