Warrenton optometrist killed during gambling raid in Fairfax

An optometrist who worked out of the Warrenton Wal-Mart was killed in what Fairfax County Police described as an accidental shooting by one of its officers, during a raid on an alleged illegal gambling operation. Salvatore Culosi Jr., 37, also had an office in the Manassas Wal-Mart; he lived in Fairfax.

Police said the shooting occurred during the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 24 at 9:35 p.m. outside Culosi's townhouse, 11626 Cavalier Landing Court in Fairfax.

Based on a warrant obtained about three months into an ongoing undercover investigation of Culosi, members of the Fairfax County Police Department's Organized Crime and Narcotics Division and Tactical Unit were at his home to conduct a search.

According to police, Culosi was outside his townhouse as members of the TAC unit approached. One officer's weapon, a handgun, unintentionally discharged and the bullet struck Culosi in the upper body.

Police said Culosi received immediate medical care and was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he died a short time later.

The death of his son prompted Culosi's father, Salvatore Culosi Sr., of Annandale, to speak out in public on Jan. 26, calling for county police to change its policy of using armed SWAT teams during police searches and concurrent arrest attempts.

Read more on " Warrenton optometrist killed during gambling raid in Fairfax"...