The regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) conducted the investigation and presented its findings to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After a thorough evaluation, Ashworth determined that the officer acted lawfully and that no charges would be pursued.
Following the criminal investigation, the Prince William County Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards will now review the case internally. Additionally, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will conduct a final assessment to determine whether the shooting was justified and by department policy.
Incident Overview
The shooting stemmed from a report of a suicidal individual on the night of July 31, 2024. At approximately 8:21 p.m., an out-of-state family member called police expressing concerns about their loved one, Gabriel Rene Ramirez, 22, of Woodbridge, who had made suicidal statements and was believed to be armed.
Officers initially searched Ramirez’s home on Caledonia Circle but did not find him. A short time later, they located him at an acquaintance’s residence on Bromley Court, where he was in the backyard in an agitated state, armed with a handgun.
The situation remained contained while members of the Crisis Negotiation Unit and an on-site Community Services clinician attempted multiple times to de-escalate the situation and secure Ramirez’s surrender. Despite efforts—including relaying messages from loved ones—Ramirez did not comply.
Due to his behavior, officers obtained an Emergency Custody Order. Around 5:30 a.m. on August 1, Ramirez pointed his firearm at officers and toward occupied townhomes nearby. In response, a SWAT officer with 4.5 years of service fired a single round, striking Ramirez in the upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or bystanders were injured.
The officer involved was placed on routine paid administrative leave pending the investigation.
