Commonwealth Attorney Ruled it as self-defense

Police Investigate 'Justified Homicide'

Woman shoots armed trespasser, possible assailant

Posted

Prince William Police Officers responded to a residence located in the 4100 block of Hoffman Drive in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting, July 22 at 12:25 a.m.

The victim, identified as a 44-year-old woman, reported to police that she was exiting her residence when she observed an unknown, masked individual armed with a handgun approaching her from the side of the home.

The woman, who was also armed at the time, shot the individual as they approached the front door of her residence.

Officers arrived at the home and located a man near the doorway of the residence suffering from gunshot wounds.

Officers also located a loaded handgun in the man’s possession.

Officers performed CPR on the man until rescue personnel arrived. The man was transported to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

The victim was not injured. 

At this time, detectives from the Homicide Unit are actively investigating the incident to determine why the man was at the residence and are seeking to speak to anyone who may have been present around the time of the incident. 

“After consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the shooting was ruled to be justified based on self-defense and therefore no charges will be placed against the victim,” said police spokesperson, 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok.

At this time, police say the incident does not appear to be random. 

More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

The deceased was identified as Azhar Laurent Smart, 20, of Triangle.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.