Multiple Stabbing Victims on I-495 Beltway Near D.C., Suspect Shot by Police

Incident occurred after multi-car crash on outer loop of interstate in Annandale, Virginia

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Several people were stabbed on the outer loop of I-495 in Annandale, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. According to reports, following a multi-car crash, a suspect got out of their vehicle and stabbed four people. The suspect was later shot by Virginia State Police who responded to the incident. At least one victim received CPR on the scene, and the others were reported to be in critical condition.

Why it matters

The stabbing attack on the busy I-495 Beltway has raised concerns about public safety on major highways and the ability of law enforcement to respond quickly to violent incidents. The Beltway is a critical transportation artery for the Washington, D.C. metro area, and any disruptions or violence can have widespread impacts.

The details

According to police reports, the incident began with a multi-car crash on the outer loop of I-495 in Annandale, Virginia. After the crash, a suspect exited their vehicle and proceeded to stab four people. Virginia State Police responded to the scene and shot the suspect, who is now in custody. Several victims were transported to local hospitals, with at least one receiving CPR at the scene. The outer loop of I-495 was completely shut down due to the police investigation.

  • The incident occurred on March 1, 2026 around 8:20 PM local time.

The players

Virginia State Police

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and shot the suspect.

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What’s next

Virginia State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and the motive behind the stabbing attack. The outer loop of I-495 is expected to remain closed for several hours as the scene is processed.

The takeaway

This violent incident on a major interstate highway highlights the need for increased security measures and emergency response capabilities to protect public safety on critical transportation infrastructure. Authorities will likely review this case to determine if any policy changes or additional resources are required to prevent similar attacks in the future.