MCLEAN, Va. — A U.S. Park Police officer is facing charges after he accidentally shot another officer, killing them early Sunday morning, police say.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, officers were called to the 1700 block of Old Meadow Road shortly before 12:30 a.m. The person who called for help reported that a man had been shot by accident inside an apartment.
When officers arrived, they found 22-year-old Jesse Brown Hernandez dead.
Investigators claim 25-year-old Alexander Roy was trying to dry fire the weapon when Hernandez was killed.
"Dry firing is when one simulates the discharge of a firearm by pulling the trigger of a firearm that is unloaded," Fairfax Police explained in a press release.
FCPD says Roy mistakenly believed the gun to be unloaded and fired, hitting Hernandez.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the deadly shooting.
Four people were inside the apartment when Hernandez was killed, all of whom knew each other. Three of the four people inside were off-duty U.S. Park Police officers, including Hernandez and Roy.
After consulting with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Roy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. He is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Christopher Deane lives in the apartment building where the shooting happened.
"When I saw the number of Fairfax County police here it was a little unnerving," Deane said. "If they can't have proper gun safety then what does that say for everybody else?"
In a statement sent to WUSA9, the U.S. Park Police said the agency is aware of the incident involving USPP employees at a private home in Fairfax County.
"Our focus right now is on supporting the family, friends and coworkers of our employees involved in this tragic incident."
Anyone with information may contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted through Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS ( 866-411-8477) or by texting "FCCS" plus tip to 847411.
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