Officers Cleared of Wrongdoing After Death of Special Needs Man

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Four police officers committed no wrongdoing after a special needs man died during a struggle with the officers April 20 at a Falls Church area park, Fairfax County Police announced Thursday.

Raymond F. Morrogh, Commonwealth's Attorney for the County of Fairfax, notified Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department, that the officers committed no wrongdoing after "trying to help" Paul Gianelos, 45, of Annandale, after he had wandered away from his caretakers.

"Our Internal Affairs Bureau has also determined the officers were in compliance with all rules, laws, regulations, and training. Based on Mr. Morrogh’s ruling, and Chief Roessler’s review of the internal investigation, the Chief has arranged for their return to full duty status."

The incident took place when patrol officers from the Mason District Station were dispatched to the area of Round Tree Park at 3320 Annandale Road (see map below) for a report of a critical missing man who had wandered away from the park on foot.

Officers found Gianelos, and say they were attempting to return him to caretakers when "he began to struggle with officers."

It was then that he experienced an apparent medical emergency, police said. Despite efforts at resuscitating the man, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.