Arlington Sheriff's Deputy Arrested, Charged With Murder in Lynhaven Shooting

Alexandria police announced the arrest of Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson late Thursday night in relation to the May 22 homicide of Julian Dawkins.

• See: Dawkins' Death Ruled a Homicide

Patterson, 44, is charged with murder and will be arraigned in Alexandria Friday morning. 

Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel requested that detectives apply for an arrest warrant for Patterson.

The warrant was issued Thursday afternoon and Patterson, an Alexandria resident, was taken into custody at a residence in Spotsylvania County in the evening, according to a release from the Alexandria Police Department. 

Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook and Sengel are scheduled to discuss the case at a Friday morning press conference at the Alexandria Courthouse on King Street.

Last week, Dawkins, 22, was shot in the 100 block of Lynhaven Drive in Alexandria following an early morning confrontation with Patterson, police said. Dawkins died after being transported to the hospital.

Police questioned Patterson, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, but did not take him into custody because he was not considered a flight risk.

• See: Lynhaven Shooting Suspect Not Considered a Flight Risk

On Tuesday, concerned citizens and friends of Dawkins demonstrated in front of the courthouse demanding justice in the case.  

• See: Group Holds Justice For Julian Demonstration

Dawkins' funeral services are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Antioch Church of Christ on Queen Street.