495 Stabbing Prompts Beltway Shutdown After Crash and Multiple Injuries

Police response to a vehicle collision and a related 495 stabbing on Interstate 495 in Annandale, Fairfax County, forced the closure of lanes on the Capital Beltway on Sunday and left multiple people wounded, creating major traffic disruptions during a midday period. The incident matters now because it produced serious injuries, an officer-involved shooting, and significant highway closures that continue to affect local travel.

Details of the 495 Stabbing

Authorities say a multi-vehicle collision on the Outer Loop near Little River Turnpike escalated when an individual exited a vehicle and attacked people at the scene with a knife. Four people were wounded in the stabbing: two sustained critical, life-threatening injuries; one suffered serious but non-life-threatening wounds; and a fourth received CPR at the scene. All four victims were transported to nearby hospitals. The suspected assailant was struck by law enforcement gunfire and was subdued; the person’s identity and condition have not been released. No fatalities had been confirmed in initial updates, and investigators had not identified a motive.

Traffic impact and detours

Traffic notices indicated that lanes on the Beltway’s Outer Loop in Annandale were closed between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike, with southbound lanes blocked in the immediate area at times. Drivers were being detoured onto Route 29/Route 50 at a nearby exit, and officials warned of major delays and urged motorists to seek alternate routes. Emergency response units and highway crews were on scene for several hours, producing extended backups through the surrounding corridor.

Investigation and next steps

Fairfax County police are leading the investigation, with state police assisting on highway-related matters. The officer-involved shooting will undergo the standard departmental review process. Investigators said there were no additional suspects being sought and that further details would be released as evidence is processed and as next-of-kin notifications are completed. Officials have not released motive information and described certain specifics as not publicly confirmed at this time.

Key takeaways

• Four people wounded in the incident; two in critical condition.
• Suspected attacker was shot and subdued by law enforcement.
• Lanes on I-495 Outer Loop were closed between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike, with detours onto Route 29/50.

What happens next will depend on investigative timelines and traffic-clearance operations. If lane closures persist for additional hours, travel disruptions and backups will likely continue through the corridor. Officials say they will provide updates as new information becomes available and as medical and investigative steps are completed.