DANVILLE VA - A dramatic and potentially deadly encounter unfolded in the parking lot of a hotel on Riverside Drive in Danville on Monday afternoon, February 17.
A uniformed Danville Police Department officer had tracked down a suspect vehicle linked to a previous hit-and-run incident to the hotel's parking lot.
The officer's subsequent investigation led to the identification and conversation with the suspect, a 47-year-old white male not from the Danville area.
In a shocking turn of events, the suspect suddenly drew a firearm without provocation and began firing at the officer, striking them multiple times.
The officer, in response, returned fire and struck the suspect multiple times.
Responding officers rushed to provide immediate medical care to both the injured officer and the suspect. The wounded officer was swiftly transported to SOVAH Danville Emergency Department before being airlifted to a regional trauma center for further treatment.
The suspect was also flown out for additional medical attention after being taken to a helipad by EMS.
Fortunately, the injured officer is reported to be in stable condition.
The Virginia State Police have taken over the investigation at the request of Danville's Chief of Police and are currently examining all aspects of this incident.
As per Danville Police Department policy, both the officer's and suspect's names are being withheld for now. The department typically waits 72 hours before releasing names of officers involved in shooting incidents.
This incident highlights both the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily and their bravery under fire.
As investigations continue, more details about this event are expected to emerge.
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