Tragic Road Rage on Virginia Highway: Stabbing Leaves Two Dead, Including Family Dog

Tragedy struck in Virginia on Sunday when a highway altercation escalated into a deadly mass stabbing, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals, according to authorities.

The violent incident unfolded on the southbound lanes of I-495 near Little River Turnpike in Annandale, Fairfax County, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.

Among the four people who were stabbed, one victim and a dog succumbed to their injuries. The suspect was fatally shot by officers who responded to the scene and opened fire.

Authorities have indicated that the attack does not seem to have any connections to terrorism.

Virginia law enforcement was dispatched to the scene on I-495 at Little River Turnpike on March 1, 2026, following reports of the stabbing incident. (WTTG)

“A Virginia State Police trooper was called to the scene at approximately 1:17 p.m. for a reported road rage incident,” Virginia state police said. 

“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.

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.”

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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