Virginia State Police Trooper Fatally Shot

Feb. 5, 2019
Trooper Lucas B. Dowell was fatally shot and a suspect was killed Monday night during a raid.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Virginia -- A Virginia State Police trooper was fatally shot and a suspect was killed Monday night during a drug raid.

Trooper Lucas B. 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 the town limits of Farmville, according to a news release.

 The Tactical Team had made entry into the residence shortly before 10 p.m. when 44-year-old Corey Johnson, who was inside the residence, began shooting at them. The Tactical Team members returned fire, killing the suspect.

Dowell was wounded and transported to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Chilhowie, Virginia native graduated the Virginia State Police’s 122nd Basic Session in November 2014. Since graduation he has been assigned to the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division; his latest assignment was on patrol in Area 20, which encompasses 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.

The 28-year-old is survived by his parents and a sister.

"This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police," Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle said 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 suspected gunman died at the scene and his remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination and autopsy. The suspect was the only individual inside the residence at the time of the shooting.

The search warrant was being conducted as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

No other troopers were injured in the shooting.

In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave.

Funeral arrangements for Dowell are pending.

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