Leesburg, Virginia — An armed suspect was fatally shot by Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies late Tuesday morning in the parking lot of a Walmart store in Leesburg, following an investigation tied to an attempted bank robbery earlier in the week. Authorities say the incident unfolded quickly after deputies confronted the suspect, who exited his vehicle holding a firearm.
The shooting remains under active investigation, and officials say several details — including whether the suspect fired his weapon — have yet to be confirmed.
Confrontation in Walmart parking lot
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just before noon at a Walmart located in Leesburg. Deputies had tracked the suspect to the rear area of the parking lot, where he was sitting inside a blue Toyota sedan.
Sheriff Mike Chapman said deputies pulled up behind the vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation. As they approached, the suspect exited the car while holding a gun.
“The suspect got out of the vehicle with a firearm,” Chapman said.
Moments later, deputies opened fire, striking the suspect.
Suspect transported, later dies
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the suspect to a nearby hospital. Authorities said he was in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
In an update, the sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Conner Peltzer, a 30-year-old resident of Sterling, Virginia.
Chapman did not release details about how many times Peltzer was shot or the specific nature of his injuries, citing the ongoing investigation.
Video shows damaged vehicle at scene
Video from the scene showed Peltzer’s blue Toyota sedan pinned between two large pickup trucks, with multiple windows appearing to have been shattered by gunfire.
The parking lot area was cordoned off for several hours as detectives and investigators processed evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Authorities confirmed that no deputies were injured during the confrontation.
Investigation tied to attempted bank robbery
Officials said deputies were able to locate Peltzer after an investigation connected him to an attempted robbery at a Bank of America branch at Dulles Crossing on Monday.
According to Sheriff Chapman, Peltzer allegedly entered the bank and handed a note to a teller demanding money and claiming that he had explosives. He left the bank without obtaining any cash.
Law enforcement agencies worked together to track him down in the days that followed.
“Detectives, deputies, and federal agents were involved in locating the suspect,” Chapman said.
FBI assisting with investigation
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were assisting local authorities in the investigation that led deputies to the Walmart parking lot.
As is standard in officer-involved shootings, the case will undergo a thorough review. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect fired his weapon or how many deputies discharged their firearms.
Chapman said it was too early to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
Community impact and safety concerns
The incident caused temporary disruption at the Walmart, with shoppers and employees asked to avoid the area while law enforcement secured the scene. Officials did not say whether the store was fully closed during the investigation.
Residents in the area expressed concern about the presence of an armed suspect in a busy retail location during midday hours. Authorities emphasized that deputies acted after identifying a potential threat.
“Public safety is always our top priority,” Chapman said.
What happens next
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and will include a review of body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, and witness statements.
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As with all officer-involved shootings, findings are expected to be shared with prosecutors once the investigation is complete.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the sheriff’s office.
Investigation continues
Officials stressed that additional details will be released as the investigation progresses and facts are confirmed. No charges have been filed, as the suspect involved in the confrontation is deceased.
The incident marks another reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement encounters tied to violent crime investigations.
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