On Wednesday, a harrowing incident unfolded at the West Springfield KinderCare in Springfield, Virginia, as a man fired shots through the front door of the day care center, leaving two women hospitalized. Officials swiftly responded, culminating in the arrest of the suspect, Julio Pascual Sejas, 41, after an extensive manhunt.
Fairfax County Police announced the arrest late Wednesday afternoon, shedding light on the terrifying ordeal that unfolded earlier in the day. Deputy Chief of Police for Investigations, Brooke Wright, addressed the media at a press conference, revealing that the authorities received a distressing call regarding the shooting shortly after 2 p.m. “I’m so relieved that kids were not harmed today,” Deputy Chief Wright expressed, emphasizing the paramount importance of child safety amidst the chaos.
According to police statements, the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. Sejas, allegedly seeking to speak with his wife, approached the day care center but was denied entry. In response, he brandished a pistol and discharged three rounds through the door, injuring his wife and a female colleague, both of whom were transported to a hospital with injuries described as “non-life-threatening.”
Deputy Chief Wright reassured the public that the approximately 70 children present at the day care were unharmed and largely unaware of the unfolding violence. “The children were not within sight of this event,” Wright affirmed, noting the efforts to swiftly remove them from any potential danger.
Authorities confirmed Sejas’ arrest around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated malicious wounding, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and shooting into a school building.
In response to the incident, KinderCare Learning Companies issued a statement to USA TODAY, expressing their devastation over the violent intrusion into their center. The facility will remain closed until at least the end of the week, with the company extending thoughts and support to the injured teachers and their families.
“We’re heartbroken that a violent man came to our center and shot two of our teachers. Our thoughts are with the two teachers who were hurt, and with their families,” the statement read. “We’re also relieved that no children witnessed this violence, nor were any children hurt.” The community, reeling from the shock of the day’s events, awaits further developments as the investigation into the shooting continues.
