Fairfax County Police Department today released body-worn camera footage from a non-fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 28 in Annandale. The department emphasized that the information is based on preliminary findings and may change as the ongoing investigation progresses.
Officers had responded to a domestic incident on Sutter Lane where Nehemia Fuentes Banegas, 26, of Annandale, was reportedly armed with two knives and had self-inflicted stab wounds after a verbal argument. After a search involving Helicopter and K9 Units, Fuentes Banegas emerged from a wooded area off Americana Drive, violently grabbing Second Lieutenant Edwin Pastora's firearm in an attempt to disarm him.
During the struggle, Officer Pastora discharged his firearm while a second officer simultaneously deployed a taser. Fuentes Banegas sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate medical aid before being transported to a local hospital. Following medical clearance, he was charged with Attempted Disarming of a Law Enforcement Officer and is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Second Lieutenant Pastora, a 12-year veteran assigned to the K9 Unit, has been placed on restricted duty status, in line with department policy, pending the outcome of both criminal and administrative investigations. The Major Crimes Bureau is conducting the criminal investigation, with results to be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, while the Internal Affairs Bureau and Police Auditor conduct administrative reviews.