WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by a Prince William County police officer during an early morning encounter Wednesday as 58-year-old Michael David Burke, officials said.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:06 a.m. on December 5 in the rear parking lot of the Department of Fire & Rescue Station 26 and Central District Police Station on Davis Ford Road. According to police, a uniformed officer nearing the end of their shift responded to reports of a man on the property and made contact with Burke, who was armed with a knife.
Police stated that Burke advanced toward the officer while waving the knife despite multiple commands to drop the weapon. When Burke continued to approach, the officer discharged their service weapon, striking him in the upper body.
First responders from the nearby fire station and additional officers rendered immediate medical aid before Burke was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. No officers, fire and rescue personnel, or community members were injured during the incident, which police emphasized was contained to the grounds of the property.
The investigation is being led by the regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) at the request of Police Chief Peter Newsham. The officer involved has been placed on routine administrative leave as the investigation continues.