Holly MatkinFarmville, VA – A Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper was killed in the line of duty while executing a search warrant at a residence on Monday.
Virginia State Police Trooper Lucas Dowell and other members of the VSP Tactical Team were assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force with the warrant at a residence in the 1500-block of Cumberland Road when the incident occurred, the VSP said in a press release.
The team made entry into the home just before 10 p.m. on Feb. 4, at which point an adult male suspect opened fire on the officers, hitting Trooper Dowell.
The Tactical Team returned fire, striking the gunman.
Trooper Dowell was rushed to Southside Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The shooter also died as a result of his gunshot wounds.
His identity has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
No one else was inside the residence at the time of the shootout, and no other law enforcement officers were injured.
Trooper Dowell joined the VSP in November of 2014, and was assigned to the agency’s Appomattox Division serving Lynchburg, as well as Campbell and Amherst counties.
He leaves behind his parents and sister.
“This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police,” VSP Superintendent Colonel Gary Settle said in the release. “We are humbled by Lucas’ selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth. He will forever be remembered by his State Police Family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty and sense of humor.”
The troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, as is protocol for officer-involved shootings.
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