Crime
Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler set on fire by Shotsie Hayes
DANVILLE, Va. — A Danville City Councilman was critically injured and airlifted to a regional medical facility Wednesday morning after being set on fire in what authorities believe was a targeted and personal attack.
According to the Danville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 11:30 a.m. to the 700 block of Main Street following a report of a man who had been intentionally set on fire. Emergency personnel from the Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew also responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders located the victim and arranged for his immediate air transport to a nearby trauma center. The full extent of his injuries has not been released.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect entered the victim’s workplace, confronted him, and poured a flammable liquid on him. The two exited the building, at which point the suspect ignited the liquid, setting the victim on fire.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle; however, witnesses were able to provide a detailed description of both the suspect and the vehicle. A short time later, officers located and stopped the vehicle several blocks away and took the driver into custody without incident.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Hayes, has been formally charged and remains in police custody.
Authorities have confirmed that the victim is Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler. Investigators believe the incident was driven by a personal dispute between Vogler and Hayes and was not related to Vogler’s official duties as a council member.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details will be released as they become available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.