Virginia Man Opens Fire on Deputies Serving Warrants, 3 Injured by Shrapnel
GRETNA, VA — A routine warrant service turned dangerous Wednesday evening when a Virginia man opened fire on three sheriff’s deputies, injuring all of them with shrapnel before being taken into custody.
The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. in the Gretna area of Pittsylvania County, as deputies from the Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve multiple warrants and a protective order on 39-year-old James Andru Lehnerd. (WDBJ)
Deputies Injured, One Hospitalized
Initial reports suggested the officers had been shot, but Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s officials later confirmed the three deputies were struck by shrapnel, not direct gunfire. The injuries were non-life-threatening, and only one deputy required hospital treatment. That individual has since been released.
The Sheriff’s Office said a SWAT team was deployed to assist with extracting the injured from the home, due to safety risks after the gunfire.
Suspect in Custody, Charges Pending
Authorities confirmed that Lehnerd was arrested at the scene and will face criminal charges in connection with the incident. The case has been handed over to the Virginia State Police for investigation, according to the Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. (WTOC)
A mugshot released by the Sheriff’s Office showed Lehnerd shortly after his arrest. No details have yet been released about what led to the warrants or protective order.
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