An off-duty Fairfax County police officer has been arrested on three misdemeanor domestic assault charges after a woman reported being assaulted following an argument in McLean, and a judge has since barred him from possessing firearms while the case is pending. Fairfax County Police identified the officer as 35-year-old Brandon Moore of McLean, a three-year department veteran assigned to the McLean Police District Station.
Officers were dispatched around 9 p.m. on October 15 to the 1600 block of Sunstone Drive in McLean after a woman reported being assaulted following a verbal argument, according to FFXnow. Investigators uncovered additional reported assault incidents during the course of their inquiry, which ultimately led to the three misdemeanor charges against Moore. The Sunstone Drive location is in McLean; Moore was based at the McLean Police District Station.
DC News Now later reported that police confirmed the arrest involved an officer who was off duty at the time. Detectives also obtained an Emergency Substantial Risk Order under Virginia's red flag law, which legally prohibits Moore from buying, possessing, or transporting firearms and requires him to surrender any concealed handgun permit while the order remains active, per McLean Patch. Such orders require a judicial finding of probable cause that a person poses a risk of injury to themselves or others.
Department Response and Administrative Leave
Fairfax County Police said Moore has been placed on administrative leave pending both a criminal investigation and an internal department review. Chief Kevin Davis also encouraged domestic violence victims to reach out to local crisis support services.
Fairfax County operates a dedicated Domestic Violence Action Center, reachable at 703-246-4573.
Second Fairfax Officer Arrested This Month
Moore's arrest marks the second criminal charge brought against a Fairfax County Police officer in October 2026, following the shoplifting arrest of 23-year department veteran Master Police Officer Scott Abram, according to the Daily Voice. Abram, a school resource officer, was charged over alleged barcode-swapping at a Target in Burke and a Target in Springfield, a case Hoodline reported earlier this month. The back-to-back arrests have put a spotlight on internal oversight within the department.
What Virginia Law Says About the Charges
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-57.2, assault and battery against a family or household member is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine per count for a first or second offense. A third offense within 20 years escalates the charge to a Class 6 felony under the same statute.
The same code section, § 18.2-57.2(C), requires a magistrate to automatically issue an emergency protective order whenever an adult criminal warrant is issued for domestic assault and battery, providing immediate legal separation while the case proceeds.
