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.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.