Gunfire Erupts, Three Victims Wounded: Suspect Arrested Within 48hrs

McLean Police District— Detectives from our Violent Crimes Division with the assistance of the Arlington County Robbery and Homicide Unit executed a search warrant and arrested Jorge Armando Melendez Gonzalez, 25 of Falls Church, late Sunday night.  The Arlington County SWAT team took the suspect into custody on multiple warrants and detectives collected evidence related to the shooting that left three men wounded.

 At 1:51 a.m. on August 26, officers responded to the 7700 block of Lee Hwy in Merrifield, for a shot persons call. Officers found two victims, both adult men, in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim suffered from a gunshot to the arm and the other victim suffered from a gunshot to the abdomen. Officers provided aid until fire and rescue personnel arrived. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and treated for their injuries.

At 3:39 a.m. a 911 call was made advising a man walked into the hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm. Officers were able to determine the victim was related to the earlier shooting. The victim’s injuries were considered non-life threatening and he was treated and released from the hospital.

After a thorough investigation, investigators determined that a man, later identified as Jorge Armando Melendez Gonzalez, 25, of Falls Church, approached a group of men who were standing in front of a business. During the encounter, the suspect was assaulted by one of the men and the suspect opened fire into a crowd of people who were standing in front of the business. The suspect then fled the area on foot.

Jorge Armando Melendez Gonzalez has been charged with three counts of Felony Malicious Wounding and three counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. He is being held at the Adult Detention Center on no bond.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting. Anyone who may have information about this shooting is asked to call 703-246-7800, option 5. 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 and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.  

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the family of victims are receiving appropriate resources and assistance.   

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