Fairfax County Police are investigating an in-custody death in the 4300 block of Mission Court, Alexandria. Patrol officers from Franconia and Mount Vernon district stations responded to an overdose call for service at 4:32 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, involving 31-year-old Christopher Paul who was experiencing either a mental or medical health episode.
According to police, a family member was struck in the head. When officers arrived on scene, they found the family member outside the house. Paul was inside the house. Crisis intervention trained officers entered the home, and tried to de-escalate the situation by speaking with him. He was trying to harm himself and fell on the floor.
Immediately after Paul fell, officers placed him in handcuffs to prevent further harm to himself or others, according to police. After officers handcuffed him, Paul continued to flail and a supplemental nylon restraining device was used to restrict his leg movements to protect officers and fire department personnel from being kicked. As Fairfax County Fire and Rescue staff were medically assessing Paul, he became unresponsive and medics began treating him.
Fire department personnel took Paul to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Six officers have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the criminal and administrative investigations. The following officers responded:
Officer from Mount Vernon District Station, 2 years of service;
Officer from Franconia District Station, 4 months of service;
Officer from Franconia District Station, 15 years of service;
Officer from Franconia District Station, 15 years of service;
Officer from Franconia District Station, 2 years of service;
First line supervisor from Franconia District Station, 13 years of service.
As a part of the department’s body worn camera pilot program, there is footage from the Mount Vernon District officer that will be released by the chief. Once the criminal investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney.