Crime
James Lehnerd in Custody After Opening Fire on Pittsylvania County Deputies Serving Warrant
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. — Three Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies were injured Wednesday night while attempting to serve multiple warrants and a protective order in Gretna, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Blue Jay Lane when deputies approached the residence to execute the warrants.
Authorities say the deputies were met with gunfire upon arrival.
While initial reports suggested the deputies had been shot, the Sheriff’s Office later clarified that the injuries were caused by shrapnel rather than direct gunfire.
One deputy was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
The suspect, identified as James Andru Lehnerd, was taken into custody without further incident.
According to the Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, charges are pending against Lehnerd.
Due to the dangerous circumstances and difficulty in safely extracting the injured deputies from the residence, a SWAT team was deployed to the scene.
Once the situation was under control, officials from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the Virginia State Police held a press briefing. Virginia State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting.
Authorities described a “very heavy scene” at the intersection of Pittsville Road and Homestead Road, with a large presence of emergency and law enforcement personnel.
Agencies responding included the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, Danville Police Department, Virginia State Police, Gretna Fire and Rescue, Hurt Fire Department, U.S. Marshals, and a Centra medical helicopter.
Additional support agencies continued to arrive throughout the evening.
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.