Virginia authorities have confirmed that Jared Llamado, 32, of McLean, Virginia, was the suspect shot and killed by a Virginia State Police trooper on Interstate 495 Sunday following a violent road rage incident.
Llamado, a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department, was involved in a confrontation that left 39-year-old Michelle Adams and a dog dead and sent three women to the hospital with serious injuries.
The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. near Exit 52 in Fairfax County. Police say a trooper responding to reports of a traffic-related dispute encountered Llamado wielding a knife.
The officer discharged his weapon in self-defense, striking Llamado, who was then transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
The responding trooper was unharmed and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation, according to 7News.
The three surviving victims—36-year-old Dana Bonnell, 37-year-old Mary C. Flood, and 40-year-old Heather Miller—were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Authorities have not released further updates on their conditions, citing privacy concerns.
The State Department confirmed Llamado’s employment as a foreign service officer, noting he held the position of diplomatic technology officer.
In this role, he oversaw IT systems and software applications relevant to U.S. diplomatic operations.
A spokesperson for the department offered condolences to those affected.
“We are aware of the tragic incident that involved a Foreign Service Officer and extend our deepest condolences to all those impacted by this tragedy,” the spokesperson told Fox News, per Just the News
Preliminary reports indicate the stabbings were preceded by a vehicle crash, though investigators are still working to determine the precise chain of events that led to the violent confrontation.
Authorities emphasize there is no indication the incident was terrorism-related, despite occurring the same weekend as U.S. military operations in Iran.
Both the crash and the officer-involved shooting remain under investigation, with officials reviewing body camera footage, witness statements, and all available evidence.
Officials say the trooper acted in accordance with protocol when confronted with a knife-wielding suspect.
Investigators are assessing whether any procedural adjustments are needed for future incidents.
The case has also prompted renewed attention to highway safety in Northern Virginia, where road rage incidents have increasingly drawn public concern, according to WUSA 9.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with emergency responders arriving quickly to assist the injured and secure the area.
Some individuals on nearby overpasses reportedly called 911 after witnessing the confrontation, alerting authorities and allowing for a rapid response that may have prevented additional casualties.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the crash or stabbing to come forward.
Virginia State Police are coordinating with federal agencies as necessary to ensure a thorough investigation.
Officials expect the review to continue for several weeks as they examine all facets of the case, including Llamado’s background, the sequence of events, and emergency response actions.
The incident has left the local community shaken, highlighting both the dangers of road rage and the unpredictable nature of violent confrontations.
Police continue to work with local and federal partners to ensure public safety on heavily trafficked highways in Northern Virginia, emphasizing that vigilance and timely reporting by motorists and witnesses are critical in preventing further tragedies.
