Fairfax County police: 18-year-old identified as suspect in fatal Herndon shooting

Andie Vigliotti
·2 min read
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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said it identified the person responsible for a shooting Wednesday that left a teenager dead.

Detectives said Thursday that that they were looking for Ismael Cruz-Delcid, 18, of Herndon.

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FCPD said officers obtained an arrest warrant for second degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony against Cruz-Delcid. They added that they had an additional warrant against him related to a previous drug investigation into the distribution of cocaine.

(Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Police Department)

The shooting happened in the 13000 block of Coppermine Rd. at a hotel. Police said the three teens were involved in a physical altercation. When they separated, Cruz-Delcid pulled out a gun and fired at least three shots. One teen was taken to the hospital and died. The other teen was not hit by any gunfire.

Police said Cruz-Delcid then ran away on foot, leaving his Honda Civic behind. FCPD said the teens are believed to have known each other.

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Violet Vicks, who has lived at the long-term hotel for two months, said she heard the gunshots. She was struck at how young the alleged assailant was after seeing his mugshot from police.

“He looks like a child,” she said. “Honestly, I know that he’s 18, but your brain doesn’t stop developing until you are 25. It’s just crazy to me that these are kids in the suburbs like this. It just makes me wonder where the kid’s parents are.”

Vicks said she heard two shots.

“My dog got spooked after he heard the shots,” she said.

Vicks said she was surprised by how long it took from the time the argument between the teens started to the time police arrived. She said the response time felt delayed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 or submit anonymous tips at 1-866-411-TIPS.

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