U.S. Park Police officer unintentionally fatally shoots fellow officer at Virginia gathering
An off-duty U.S. Park Police officer unintentionally shot and killed another off-duty officer over the weekend in Virginia while pulling a trigger on a gun he thought was unloaded, police said.
Alexander Roy, 25, was charged with involuntary manslaughter for killing 22-year-old Jesse Brown Hernandez while they were at a gathering in an apartment in McLean, Virginia, about 10 miles west of Washington, D.C.
Police were called to the scene shortly after midnight on Sunday.
Two others, including another U.S. Park Police officer, were also at the gathering. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the shooting. Roy is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on no bond.
Hernandez was found dead with a gunshot wound to the upper body. The investigation is ongoing and the Fairfax County Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.
The U.S. Park Police serve the National Park Service and neighboring communities. They also provide security for the president, secretary of the interior, and visiting dignitaries.
A press release from the U.S. Park Police said they are aware of the incident and directed all questions about the investigation to the Fairfax County police.
“Our focus right now is on supporting the family, friends and coworkers of our employees involved in this tragic incident. USPP has nothing further to share at this time,” said the U.S. Park Police in a statement.