SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Two women were hospitalized after they were shot through the door of the day care they were working at Wednesday afternoon. The man accused of shooting them has since been taken into custody.
The shooting happened at the Springfield KinderCare located at 8518 Bauer Drive.
In a press conference, Fairfax County Lt. Colonel Brooke Wright said officers were called to the day care just before 2:15 p.m. for reports of a shooting.
Both women were taken to an area hospital for treatment and are expected to survive.
Investigators say 41-year-old Julio Pascual Sejas came to the day care and demanded to speak with a worker, who is either his current or estranged spouse. When she refused to open the door, Wright said Pascual Sejas shot three times through the door.
Fairfax County Police announced Pascual Sejas's arrest shortly before 6:45 p.m. Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest, including two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of a firearm in the commission of a felony and three counts of schooling into a school building.
The police department previously said they were looking for a green Dodge Ram, but they've now said that the vehicle was not involved.
Anyone with information is urged to call Fairfax County Police, or their tip line at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).
Wright said 70 children were inside the day care when the shooting happened, but none were within eyesight when the women were wounded. They were taken to a second location and have since been released to their parents or guardians.
KinderCare released a statement Wednesday, saying:
"We’re heartbroken that a violent man came to our center and shot two of our teachers. Our thoughts are with the two teachers who were hurt, and with their families. We understand the teachers are in stable condition, and we’re grateful for that news.
"We’re also relieved that no children witnessed this violence, nor were any children hurt.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the children in our care. We train our teachers and staff to respond to a variety of emergency situations so that when a crisis happens they’re able to act quickly and calmly to keep your children safe. We are grateful to our West Springfield team for their quick response to yesterday’s crisis and their unrelenting focus on the safety and wellbeing of the children in their care.
"We all need time to process what happened yesterday. We’re checking in with our teachers and making sure they have access to counseling and other mental health resources. We’re also connecting with families and ensuring they have access to trauma support materials, should they need them.
"For now, our center will remain closed at least through the end of the week. What happened yesterday was traumatic for everyone. We want to give our center community time to begin to heal before asking anyone to return to our building. That said, we know some families may have immediate needs for care. We are working with families one on one to ensure they have access to care."
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