On January 9, 2019, at 12:49 a.m., the Winchester Police Department (WPD) responded to a report of a suicidal male, armed with a firearm, at his residence in the 2300 block of Tower Avenue.
The first responding officer arrived on scene and encountered the male outside of the residence, armed with a handgun in his waistband. The male was agitated and stopped complying with the officer’s instructions to be taken safely into custody. As the male reached for his handgun, the officer shot at the male. He was not struck. The male became compliant and was taken safely into custody. No one was injured as a result of the incident. The male is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation.
At the request of the WPD, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident, which is ongoing at this time. Pursuant to WPD policy, the two year veteran officer has been placed on administrative leave.