Officer Peter Laboy in Critical Condition After Shooting
The Alexandria resident allegedly was shot by Kashif Bashir, the driver of an Alexandria Yellow Cab minivan, during a routine traffic stop.
An Alexandria police officer remains in critical condition after being shot in the head Wednesday morning during a routine traffic stop, according to a police department statement.
Motorcycle Officer Peter Laboy, 45, of Alexandria, was responding to a look out from the department for a yellow cab minivan for a minor offense.
Laboy is a 17-year veteran of the department, working for the past six years as a motorcycle officer in the Motor Unit.
The suspect is Kashif Bashir, 27, of Woodbridge, Va. He is in custody and has been charged with malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. He is being held without bond.
Soon after Laboy approached the cab, the Department of Emergency Communications began receiving emergency calls reporting an officer down, said city spokesman Tony Castrilli.
Laboy was flown to Medstar Washington Hospital Center from the fields outside of Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy and had several hours of surgery. He was wearing a bulletproof vest when shot. First graders from the Alexandria City public school were playing on the playground at the time and the school went into lockdown mode.
• See: Lyles-Crouch in Lockdown Mode During Police Shooting
The driver of the cab fled the scene at Wilkes and St. Asaph streets when a patrol officer spotted the vehicle going south on Washington Street into Fairfax County, according to a city news release.
A police chase ensued and Fairfax County Police took over the situation when the cab entered their jurisdiction. The cab crashed off Fort Hunt Road and the driver was arrested, according to Fairfax County Police Department spokesman Don Gotthardt.
Alexandria Yellow Cab General Manager Kyle Summers told Patch that neither of the two drivers assigned to the cab involved in the incident was working at that time.
Gail G
7:13 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I'm hoping for Officer Laboy's full recovery. Is there a need for blood donations? Let's organize something. It can always be put to good use.
M D
7:33 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
We are shocked and horrified by the shooting. We are so grateful to all the Police Dept does on a daily basis to make this city a great place to live. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer and his family. Old Town Hunting Creek Civic Assn
jitterbug
9:07 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Prayers go out to Peter and family. Hang in there all. Peter is strong and has the will to live. Your neighbors are here for whatever you might need.
Shelley
9:07 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Just driving to work today with a neighbor discussing how lucky and grateful we are to have such exceptional police officers in our little city. Prayers and thoughts going out to Officer Laboy and his family. Thank you Alexandria Police Department for all you do to protect and serve our city.
jnrentz1
9:23 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I spent many years as a member of a Washington area police department. The positive comments, and the support shown for Officer Peter LaBoy are most gratifying.
Contrary to what many people believe, we Officers, both active and retired, do care about you, the public whom we serve.
Thank you for the expressions of support.
doug redman
9:42 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Incidents like this make us realize how lucky we are to have men and women like Officer LaBoy who put themselves in danger on our behalf on a daily basis. We all need to thank them for what they do. Something simple like walking up to them on the streets and telling them that we really appreciate what they do. I know that next time I get an opportunity to do so that's what I will do.
Cindy Kapetanis
9:51 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Our prayers go out for Officer LaBoy and his family! Please get better!
Jeanette Rush
9:54 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Drew, use your connections to arrange a blood drive in name of Peter LaBoy. It is the best way for the community to show we care and want to do something for him and his family. Perhaps at the local Farmers Market.
Gail G
9:58 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I asked former Chief David Baker to help organize a blood drive too. Surely he knows people. I also read in WaPo that the suspect had been making woman uncomfortable in a King St boutique - standing much too close to employees and such. Anyone have more info on that?
Gilda Klein
10:21 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
This is a senseless ambush of a dedicated police officer !! Only someone with the intent to kill , knowing officers wear protective vests would fire a "head shot". I served with pride as law enforcement for over 20 years. My prayers to Peter LaBoy , his wife, kids and his family. I know all our "Blue" brothers are standing in support.
Michele Levesque Fenter
8:07 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013
APD will assure that all is provided for Office Laboy and his family. The APD Association is one of the best for protecting officers and their families. I am a proud daughter of a retired APD Assistant Chief and hold firm that we will always protect our own, and honor all the other fallen officers! I pray for a speedy recovery for Officer Laboy....God Bless!
Peg Sherwood
8:05 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
Your Pittsburgh "Brothers and Sisters" are praying for you.