A Virginia police officer was shot and seriously wounded in an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of a suspect involved in a stabbing incident, according to officials. The incident occurred when Roanoke police officers responded to a well-being check at a residence on Lawrence Avenue Southeast on Sunday morning. Upon arrival, they discovered a man with stab wounds who was later pronounced dead at the scene, as stated in a police statement. The suspect was swiftly identified and around 4 p.m., officers attempted to apprehend him on Melrose Avenue Northwest. In the ensuing confrontation, the suspect fired at the officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left both the suspect and one officer injured, the police reported. Tragically, the suspect succumbed to his injuries, while the injured officer was transported to a hospital with serious and potentially life-threatening wounds. However, there is some positive news as the officer’s condition has improved since undergoing surgery, according to Police Chief Scott Booth, who spoke at a press conference on Sunday night. The shootout in rural Virginia resulted in the death of the suspect and left a police officer seriously injured. The Virginia State Police will conduct an investigation into the incident, and the officers involved will be placed on routine administrative leave, Chief Booth stated. Meanwhile, the Roanoke police will continue their investigation into the stabbing incident on Lawrence Avenue. Chief Booth praised the officers for their heroic actions as captured by body-worn camera footage, which showed their bravery in confronting the suspect who opened fire on them. Although the suspect’s identity was revealed as a 39-year-old white man, his name has not been released. The names of the officers involved will be disclosed after notifying their families, Chief Booth added.
