State Trooper shot and killed while serving search warrant
CUMBERLAND Co., Va. February 5 2019 Virginia State Trooper Lucas B. Dowell has died in a shooting while serving a search warrant in Cumberland County Monday .
Police said a tactical team with Virginia State Police 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 and Route 45.
They said when the Tactical Team made entry into the residence around 10 p.m., an adult male was inside and began shooting at the officers.
According to police, the Tactical Team returned fire.
Trooper Dowell was shot in the exchange and taken to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville where he died from his injuries.
The suspect was also shot and died at the scene, police said.
Officers are still in the process of confirming the suspect’s identity and his next of kin.
Trooper Dowell 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.
“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,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
Trooper Dowell is survived by his parents and sister.
No other troopers were hurt in the shooting.
In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave.
WSET
