LCSO: Deputy Shot, Killed Woman in Sterling Costco

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has identified the woman shot and killed by a deputy during an incident at the Costco in Sterling Wednesday afternoon as Sterling resident Mhai Scott, 38.

The sheriff’s office received reports of disorderly conduct around 3 p.m. and reported to the Costco, which is at the corner of Cascades Boulevard and Bartholomew Fair Drive, LCSO spokeswoman Liz Mills said.

Upon arrival, deputies “noticed erratic behavior” by a woman — later identified as Scott — in a fairly crowded store, Mills said.

According to an LCSO press release, Scott was threatening store employees with a knife and scissors when deputies arrived. Other reports said she was acting oddly at the end of her shift when authorities were contacted.

“After loud commands were given to drop the weapons, she raised a weapon,” Mills said. A TASER was then used in an attempt to stop Scott, Mills said.

“She continued to advance to the deputy, at which point lethal force was used,” Mills said. The other deputy fired multiple shots, according to the press release. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene.

A deputy also was struck during the shooting.

“It’s still under investigation,” Mills said when asked to describe how the deputy was wounded.

She said she was not sure whether video surveillance at the store captured the incident.

Mills said the deputy's wound was clearly related to the shooting incident, but she declined to describe it further. A statement from the office indicated the deputy was treated at a local hospital and released.

The officer who fired the shot and the officer who was wounded were placed on paid administrative leave, which Mills said is LCSO policy following a shooting incident.

Virginia State Police assisted with the incident and may assist in the investigation.

Scott worked for Club Demonstration Services, a contract service that provides workers for Costco.

Any witness who has not been interviewed by an LCSO detective is asked to call 703-777-0475.