Police Release Suspect Composite in Homicide

UPDATE: Police Release Suspect Composite in Homicide

Alexandria Police is seeking the identity of the suspect who shot two women, killing one, in the 2400 block of Ridge Road Drive on February 6, 2014. The suspect is described as an older white male, balding with gray hair, and a full beard. He was last seen wearing tan outerwear, possibly a jacket or work coat.

The composite can be viewed at http://alexandriava.gov/police/info/news_policedisplay.aspx?id=76463. The public is asked to remember this composite is a compilation of facial features, not a photograph. If any of the features in the composite remind you of someone, please contact the police immediately. Keep in mind that the suspect may have recently changed his appearance.

Anyone recognizing the person depicted in the sketch or anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call Sgt. Michael Kochis at 703.746.6864 or email him Michael.Kochis@alexandriava.gov. Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous. Updates will continue to be posted toalexandriava.gov/police.

Statement from Alexandria Police on todays shooting

Police Investigate Homicide on Ridge Road Drive

Today, February 6, at approximately 11:35 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Ridge Road for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two adult female victims inside a residence.

The victims were transported to local hospitals. One victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The other victim succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. She had been identified as Ruthanne Lodato, 59, Alexandria resident.

Initial investigation indicates the suspect knocked on the door of the residence and shot the two victims when they answered the door. The suspect then fled. He is described as an older white male, balding with gray hair and a full beard.

Police continue to search for the suspect. A Fairfax County Police Department helicopter has been aiding in the search. A preliminary search caused the lockdown of several Alexandria City Public schools. The lockdown was lifted around 1:30 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing and very active. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6864.

Message from ACPS on today's lockdown

At approximately 11:45 a.m. today, the Alexandria Police Department notified Alexandria City Public Schools that an incident had taken place in a residential area of the city. As a safety precaution, the police recommended putting six schools on lockdown: T.C. Williams High School, the T.C. Williams Minnie Howard Campus, Charles Barrett, Douglas MacArthur, George Mason and Matthew Maury elementary schools. All students and staff were safe throughout the lockdown period, which officially ended for all six schools at 1:30 p.m.

Thank you to our staff and students for responding calmly and quickly to the lockdown directive, to the Alexandria Police Department for ensuring the safety of our schools, and to our ACPS families and community members for your patience as we monitored the situation. Please be assured that your children’s safety is our No. 1 priority.