Chief Davis Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from Viral Brandishing Video

Mason Police District – Around 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, officers responded to the IHOP, 6655 Arlington Blvd, in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County for a report of a weapon brandishing. Earlier in the evening around 9:12 p.m., a group of three juveniles entered the restaurant. One of the juveniles threatened the hostess while another lifted his shirt, revealing what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband. The group departed and police were not called for this incident.

Officers were called after the group returned around 11 p.m. and attempted to get the employee to come outside to the parking lot. When officers arrived, the juveniles ran to a nearby parking lot where officers detained two of the juveniles and did not find a weapon. While detaining them, a third juvenile, believed to be involved in the brandishing, approached officers. Due to the nature of a weapon brandishing call and not yet having located a weapon, officers ordered the third juvenile to the ground at gunpoint. Officers safely detained the juvenile and determined he was holding a cell phone and filming.

The three juveniles were detained and later released to their parents. A weapon was not located. The case was assigned to a detective in our Criminal Investigation Division. During the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered surveillance footage from the parking lot nearby the restaurant. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the weapon brandishing and any significant updates will be provided to the community when available.

As with all pointing of a firearm events, the incident is under review.

To view Chief Davis’ press conference, click here.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact our Criminal Investigation Division at 703-256-8035. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

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