Off-duty U.S. Park Police officer fatally shoots colleague, officials say alcohol a factor

"Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the shooting," authorities said. 

Published: November 7, 2023 7:29am

Updated: November 8, 2023 12:48am

An off-duty U.S. Park Police officer fatally shot a fellow officer this past weekend when he fired a gun he thought was not loaded, according to officials. 

The incident occurred early Sunday morning in a northern Virginia apartment. Four people were in the apartment, including three off-duty Park Police officers, at the time of the incident. 

Officials said alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Officer Alexander Roy, 25, has been arrested and charged in the incident, according to the Fairfax County Police Department

Roy faces an involuntary manslaughter charge.  As of Sunday, he was being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

The victim has been identified as Officer Jesse Brown Hernandez, 22.

"Our focus right now is on supporting the family, friends and coworkers of our employees involved in this tragic incident," the department said. 

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