February 5, 2019 – In Breaking News – Richmond Times Dispatch
A Virginia State Police trooper assisting in a drug investigation was fatally wounded in a shootout that also left a suspect dead just outside Farmville.
The trooper, Lucas B. Dowell, a member of a state police tactical team, was helping the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force execute a search warrant at a home in Cumberland County on Monday.
(Trooper Lucas Dowell was killed while serving a search warrant in Cumberland County, Virginia on Monday night. Courtesy of 13News Now and YouTube. Posted on Feb 5, 2019.)
State police said the suspect started shooting at officers after they entered his home shortly before 10 p.m. in the 1500 block of Cumberland Road just north of Farmville.
According to the police, members of the team returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect — a 44-year-old man who was sentenced decades ago to 23 years in prison for attempted murder and robbery in Chesterfield County.
“This is an extremely difficult day for the state police,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, the state police superintendent, in a statement.
“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.”
Dowell, 28, was taken to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, where he died from his injuries. The suspect, Corey Johnson, died on the scene.
UPDATE: Man suspected of killing state trooper had criminal past in Chesterfield https://t.co/5h2TXPVDP8 via @rtdnews
— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) February 6, 2019
Gov. Ralph Northam called Dowell’s death a “great loss to the commonwealth.”
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends who knew Trooper Dowell best,” Northam said in a statement.
“We are grateful for his dedication to the safety of our communities, and for all of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”
State Sen. Bill Carrico, a former state trooper from Grayson County, gave an emotional tribute to Dowell on the Senate floor Tuesday.
Continue reading… Man suspected of killing state trooper had criminal past in Chesterfield
(Learn More. Virginia State Police say Trooper Lucas B. Dowell died in a shootout that also resulted in the death of a suspect while trying to execute a drug-related search warrant Monday evening. Courtesy of WSLS 10 and YouTube. Posted on Feb 5, 2019.)
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Trooper Dowell, both blood and blue. Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of Virginia with pride and distinction. You will not be forgotten.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
