Fairfax County officials are facing heavy criticism after the suspect in a violent domestic dispute and an attack on a police officer turned out to be an illegal immigrant who was never prosecuted despite allegedly attacking his wife in April.
Officers responding to a domestic disturbance call attempted to arrest Nehemia Fuentes Banegas on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed himself while threatening his wife. Fuentes Banegas then fled on foot, hid in a bush, and lunged for a police officer’s service weapon in a frenzied ambush, according to police.
Fuentes Banegas was shot by officers during the struggle, though the bullet only grazed his shoulder. He is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Court records indicate Fuentes Banegas had previously been cited for reckless driving and driving without a license. His race was recorded as white.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Fuentes Banegas is a Honduran national who illegally entered the country in 2022.
