Another Falls

Last Monday officer Michael E. Garbarino was sitting in his cruiser outside a Fairfax County police station, filling out paperwork at the end of his shift. That was when a heavily armed 18 year old gunman walked up and opened fire. Garbarino, 53 years of age and a 23 year veteran of the force, was hit five times. Despite his wounds, he was able to radio for help. As other officers emerged from the building, a furious gun battle erupted. Detective Vicky Armel was killed in the exchange, as was the gunman. She was buried in an emotional service on Saturday.

For the last eight days, the wounded officer had been in Fairfax Hospital in critical condition. Despite some early optimism about his prognosis, Garbarino's fight to live came to an end this morning at 2:47 A.M.

Michael Garbarino is survived by his wife, two children, and his parents.