Suspect Shoots Police Officers in Virginia
(MENAFN) In the state of Virginia, three sheriff's deputies were shot while attempting to serve warrants to a local man, according to officials.
The incident occurred in Gretna, Pittsylvania County, and led to a tense, hours-long standoff between the suspect and law enforcement. Authorities eventually apprehended the individual after the standoff.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, prompted a large emergency response, with firefighters, medical personnel, and numerous law enforcement agencies rushing to the scene, as seen in online footage.
The shooting was first reported by US Representative John McGuire, who confirmed that multiple officers had been injured.
McGuire expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "My thoughts and prayers are with the deputies who were shot in Pittsylvania County, as well as their families. We are closely following the situation and keeping everyone affected in our hearts during this difficult time."
Later in the day, local police held a press briefing and clarified that the deputies were shot while attempting to serve a protective order along with warrants for brandishing a firearm and trespassing.
The suspect, identified as James Andreu Lehnerd, opened fire on the officers, causing them to suffer superficial shrapnel wounds, as explained by local Sheriff Mike Taylor.
One of the injured deputies was hospitalized "out of an abundance of caution," the sheriff confirmed. "All three are well. Of course, they're shaken up. And they're going through the process now of trying to heal," he said.
The situation escalated into a prolonged standoff, but the suspect ultimately surrendered to authorities.
He is expected to face "serious" charges, though these are still being determined.
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