Virginia Trooper, Suspect Fatally Shot In Drug Raid

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VA — A Virginia State Police trooper was shot and killed Monday as officers raided a house in a Cumberland County narcotics investigation, officials say. The suspect, who was alone in the house, also died as police returned fire. Trooper Lucas B. Dowell died at Southside Community Hospital in Farmville from his injuries, according to a news release.

Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team that was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force with executing a search warrant at a residence in the 1500 block of Cumberland Road/Route 45, just north of Farmville. Officers entered the residence shortly before 10 p.m. Monday when a man inside began shooting at police. They returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman.

Authorities say Dowell is the department’s 66th line of duty death. The Chilhowie, Virginia, native graduated from the Virginia State Police’s 122nd Basic Session in November 2014. He was assigned to the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division; his latest assignment was on patrol in the City of Lynchburg, and Amherst and Campbell counties. He was a member of the Appomattox Division Tactical Team - the equivalent of a SWAT Team.

Dowell is survived by his parents and a sister.

“This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia 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.”

The man who fired at police died at the scene. His body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination and autopsy. State police are still in the process of notifying next of kin.

The male suspect was the only person in the residence at the time of the shooting.

No other troopers were hurt in the confrontation. The two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, which is VSP policy, officials said. Their names have not been released.

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PHOTO: Trooper Lucas B. Dowell, courtesy of Virginia State Police