Man dies in hospital after shooting in Fairfax County; investigation continues

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — An investigation is underway in Fairfax County after a man was found shot repeatedly inside a vehicle Monday morning.

Just before 5 a.m. on Sept. 15, officers were called to the 12700 block of Fantasia Drive near Dranesville after a vehicle crashed and gunshots were reported in the area.

Once on the scene, first responders found 45-year-old Irfan Syed, of Herndon, inside a car, with gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition, where he later died.

During a press conference on Monday, Fairfax County Police Department’s Assistant Chief Blakeley noted that multiple neighbors heard the gunfire and called 911. Witnesses also provided investigators with a description of a vehicle that was spotted leaving the scene after the shooting.

While canvassing the area, officers found an abandoned vehicle that had crashed, just blocks away from the crime scene. Authorities established a perimeter, and the suspect, 25-year-old Muhammad Muzammil, was taken into custody.

A K-9 Unit also responded to the area and located the gun that was believed to be involved in the shooting.

Fairfax County police said a preliminary investigation determined that Muzammil allegedly rammed his vehicle into Syed’s vehicle before shooting him multiple times.

“We do not believe this is a random act of violence,” detailed Blakley during Monday’s press conference.

Muzammil is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of felony.

It is currently unknown if Muzammil and Syed knew each other.

During the press conference, Blakley added that officers also spotted a vehicle driving erratically in the area and attempted to stop it. However, the driver pulled into a driveway before running into the woods.

Officers are still searching for the driver, but it is unclear if they have any connection with the shooting, according to police.

As the investigation continues, Fairfax County detectives are still conducting interviews and have processed evidence from the scene to learn what led up to the deadly shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call 866-411-8477.