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Detective Vicky Anne Owen Armel
Fairfax County Police Department
Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, May 8, 2006

Biographical Info
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: 2806

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, May 8, 2006
Weapon Used: Rifle; AK-47
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Detective Vicky Armel was shot and killed when a suspect opened fire on her and other officers in the parking lot of the Sully District Station on Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly.

The suspect had carjacked a van moments earlier and drove into the police station's back parking lot. The suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire with an AK-47 rifle on Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino, who was sitting in his patrol car, striking him five times.

Detective Armel, who was also in the parking lot, immediately engaged the suspect and exchanged shots with the man. She was fatally wounded during the exchange. Several officers who responded to the parking lot also exchanged shots with him, killing him. In addition to the AK-47 rifle, the suspect was armed with five handguns and a hunting rifle.

Detective Armel and the Master Police Officer Garbarino were flown to Inova Fairfax Hospital by members of the agency's Helicopter Division. Master Police Officer Garbarino remained in critical condition for 9 days before succumbing to his wounds.

Investigation revealed that the 18-year-old suspect had been arrested by Fairfax County police officers two weeks earlier for a carjacking he had committed in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Detective Armel had served with the Fairfax County Police Department for 9 years and had previously served with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office for 8 years. She is survived by her son, a daughter, and her husband, who also serves as an officer with the agency.

A fund for Detective Armel’s family has been established. Donations can be sent to:
                        Armel family Trust Fund
                        C/o: Fairfax County Federal Credit Union
                        4201 Members Way
                        Fairfax, Virginia 22030

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"Angels In Blue"  

I had this friend you see, who loved
God, Country, You and me.

My friend went to work day or night
the peace to keep, so you and I could sleep.

She worked the holidays and weekends,
away from family and friends.
To keep this peace for you and me.

Each day this friend put her life on the line
to spare yours and mine.

Then one day she paid the price, she gave her life.

You've done well my friend, patrolling these earthly streets.
Now it's time to walk on Heaven's beat.

The next time you see a Police Officer or two,
remember they are one of God's Angels in Blue.

And God said; "Blessed are the Peace Makers."
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Our Hero's In Blue

We gather today to remember, the sacrifices our loved ones have made.
We will never forget those loved ones, and the terrible price they have paid.
Their courage, dedication and professionalism will forever be alive in our hearts.
May God, in His infinite power, help to mend those broken parts.

There is no greater pain, then the loss of those we love,
But we pray you will find inner strength, with guidance from the Lord above.
It's a very tough journey you are faced with, but together we can all make it through.
So, we gather today to remember, and share the love for
"Our Heroes in Blue."

We know they are watching us now, and so proud that you're all here.
They would like to see smiles not sadness; see hope in your eyes not fear.
They are at peace with the Lord up in heaven, and they would like us to be at peace too.
They know in their hearts how we miss them, and they want you to know they miss you.

May you all find some solace in knowing, that in God's eyes, they did not die in vain.
They gave their lives doing a job they believe in, and it hurts them to see you in pain.
So as we pray for those loved ones we lost, They would like us to pray too;
For the brave men and women still out there, their Brothers and Sisters in Blue.
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A fund for Detective Armel’s family has been established. Donations can be sent to:
                        Armel family Trust Fund
                        C/o: Fairfax County Federal Credit Union
                        4201 Members Way
                        Fairfax, Virginia 22030