A 34-year-old man from Salem Highway, Stuart, was airlifted to a hospital on Thursday morning after being shot by a 78-year-old homeowner, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 AM at the residence of James Hazelwood, located at 3382 Big A School Road in Stuart.
Griffith Coy Goodyear, the alleged perpetrator, arrived at Hazelwood's home and began beating his vehicle with an iron pipe. Hazelwood, who had a permanent protective order against Goodyear, called the Patrick County E911 Communication Center to report the incident.
Goodyear then approached the residence, still armed with the pipe, and began breaking windows and attempting to force his way into the home.
Hazelwood allegedly fired one round from a .38 caliber handgun, striking Goodyear as he attempted to break down the front door.
Goodyear retreated and got into his vehicle, but was encountered by deputies from the Patrick County Sheriff's Office as he backed down the driveway.
Sgt. Lewis Carroll and Investigators Faith Hubbard and Brian Hubbard rendered aid to Goodyear before he was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.
The condition of Goodyear is currently unknown. According to Sheriff Smith, Goodyear and Hazelwood were past acquaintances, and a permanent protective order had been initiated by Hazelwood against Goodyear in April 2024.
The order remains active until April 2026.
The investigation is ongoing, led by Investigators Faith Hubbard and Robbie Haynes with assistance from the Patrick County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
As of now, no further details have been released regarding potential charges or motivations behind the alleged assault.
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