CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VA. (THECOUNT) — Lucas B. Dowell has been identified as the Virginia State trooper killed in an on-duty police-involved shooting in Cumberland Monday night.
Dowell was fatally shot while assisting in the execution of a search warrant during a drug investigation at a home on Cumberland Road Monday.
|
Advertisement |
The suspect who opened fire on Dowell was neutralized by police.
“The Tactical Team had made entry into the residence shortly before 10 p.m. Monday when an adult male inside the residence began shooting at them.The Tactical Team members returned fire, fatally wounding the male suspect,” a Virginia State Police spokesperson said, reports WTVR.
The dead suspect’s name has not yet been released.
The troopers who shot at the man were placed on administrative leave as is department policy.
Trooper Dowell was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead of gunshot injuries.
Dowell had been working as a Virginia State Trooper since 2014. He is survived by his parents and a sister.
“This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police,” Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, said. “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 was assigned to the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division and patrolled Lynchburg, Amherst County, and Campbell County. He was also on the Appomattox Division Tactical Team.
Geo quick facts: Cumberland is a census-designated place in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Virginia, United States. Cumberland lies along U.S. Route 60 and State Route 45. It is 48 miles west of Richmond and 51 miles east of Amherst. The population as of the 2010 Census was 393 – Wikipedia.