Holly MatkinFarmville, VA – Virginia State Police (VSP) Trooper Lucas Dowell was murdered in the line of duty on Monday night while he was executing a search warrant at a residence.
Trooper 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, 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 gunfight, and no other law enforcement officers were injured.
Trooper Dowell graduated from Chilhowie High School in 2009, WCYB reported.
He then attended Radford University, and graduated from the criminal justice program in 2012, according to WFXR.
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, according to the agency.
“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.”
Trooper Dowell leaves behind his parents and sister.
“As this terrible incident illustrates, police officers risk their lives every time they put on a uniform,” U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen said in a press release. “Trooper Dowell’s bravery and sacrifice are a sobering reminder of those dangers. The federal law-enforcement community in Western Virginia mourns the loss of this courageous young man and will honor his legacy.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Virginia State Police Trooper Lucas Dowell, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Trooper Lucas Dowell, your life mattered.