[Archived] 3rd UPDATE: Alexandria Police Arrest Suspect in Homicide

Alexandria Police have arrested Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson, 44, and charged him with Murder in the homicide of Julian Dawkins. Earlier today, the Commonwealth’s Attorney requested that detectives apply for an arrest warrant for Patterson. The warrant was issued this afternoon and Patterson was taken into custody at a residence in Spotsylvania County this evening.

No further details about the arrest are being released at this time.

2nd UPDATE: Suspicious Death on Lynhaven Drive Ruled a Homicide

Based upon the results of the autopsy examination conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the death of Julian Dawkins has been ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound. Mr. Dawkins was shot following a confrontation with an off duty Arlington County deputy sheriff Craig Patterson during the early morning hours of May 21, in the Lynhaven area of Alexandria.

This case is being investigated by detectives of the Alexandria Police Department, who are continuing to interview witnesses in order to determine the facts and circumstances leading up to the shooting. As in any case of this nature, this investigation will be thorough and will take time to complete. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Section of the Police Department at 703.746.6711.

During the course of the investigation, detectives have consulted with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding whether or not criminal charges should be filed. That determination will be made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney after the investigation is completed.

This case is being investigated according to standard protocol applied to all Alexandria homicide cases. The fact that Mr. Patterson is employed as a law enforcement officer does not affect the process of investigation applied to this case.

UPDATE: Alexandria Police Identify Victim in Suspicious Death

Alexandria Police have identified the victim in last night’s suspicious death as Julian Dawkins, 22, City resident. The cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results from the medical examiner’s office.

Alexandria Police have questioned Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson, 44, City resident, who was involved in the shooting. He is a 17-year veteran. No charges have been placed. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Section of the Alexandria Police Department at
703.746.6711.

Alexandria Police Investigate Suspicious Death on Lynhaven Drive

Alexandria Police are investigating a suspicious death that occurred in the 100 block of Lynhaven Drive on Wednesday, May 22. At approximately 12:45 a.m., officers responded to reports of a person being shot. Upon arrival, officers located the victim. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim’s identity is being held pending notification of next of kin. The cause and manner of death will be determined pending an autopsy by the medical examiner’s office.

Detectives are interviewing an Arlington County deputy sheriff who was involved in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Section of the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6711.