During a drug raid late Monday, Feb. 4 evening, Virginia State Police Officer Lucas B. Dowell, 28, was shot and transported to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, Va. for for treatment of life threatening injuries, according to a Virginia State Police press release.
“A Virginia State Police Tactical Team 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,” said the release.
At the scene, in the 1500 block of Cumberland Road has been blocked off as of 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
The search warrant was being conducted as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Shortly before 10 p.m., when the Tactical Team entered the residence, an adult male suspect, later identified as Corey Johnson, began shooting with the Tactical Team returning fire. Johnson was fatally shot and died at the scene.
“In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave,” said the release.
Dowell was the only trooper injured in the shooting.
“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.”
Johnson was the only individual inside the residence at the time of the shooting.
According to the release, Trooper Dowell becomes the Department’s 66th line of duty death. The Chilhowie, Va. 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.
A native of Chilhowie, Va., Dowell is survived by his parents and a sister.
In a Virginia State Police tradition, Trooper Dowell's patrol car was placed in front of her Area 20 office in Amherst, Va. where flowers were placed on top of the car.
The memorial service for Dowell was held at Chilhowie Christian Church on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m.
Trooper Lucas B. Dowell
