Authorities said a woman was shot while driving with her two children before her car crashed.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Two parents are dead and two children are recovering after police said a domestic shooting turned into a crash and pursuit Wednesday evening in Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg police said officers were called about 5:32 p.m. to the area of Olde William Street and Emancipation Highway for reports of gunfire. Investigators said a man followed the mother of his children in a separate vehicle while she drove with the children inside.
During the pursuit, police said, the man fired multiple rounds at the woman’s vehicle. The woman suffered gunshot wounds and crashed near College Avenue and Emancipation Highway. She was taken to a hospital, where she died. The children, ages 7 and 3, had minor injuries from the crash and were not shot.
Police said officers found the man near the crash scene and tried to stop him. He drove away, and officers followed. The pursuit ended near Wilderness Lane, where authorities said the man was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He died at the scene.
The department called the case domestic-related but did not release a motive or say what led to the chase. Officials also had not identified the parents by name. The children were reunited with family members after they were treated for injuries, police said.
The incident drew a large emergency response across several Fredericksburg streets during the evening commute. Investigators were expected to examine the shooting scene, the crash site and the route of the police pursuit as they piece together the timeline.
No charges were expected because both adults died, but police continued the investigation Thursday. Authorities said additional information could be released after relatives are notified and investigators complete more work on the case.
Author note: Last updated June 4, 2026.