Three sheriff’s deputies in rural Pittsylvania County were injured but are expected to recover after coming under gunfire while serving warrants and a protective order Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.) expressed his support for the officers on social media. “My thoughts and prayers are with the deputies who were shot in Pittsylvania County, as well as their families,” McGuire wrote. “We are closely following the situation and keeping everyone affected in our hearts during this difficult time.”
Pittsylvania County Sheriff Michael Taylor said the warrants were for brandishing a firearm and trespassing. “All three are well. Of course they’re shaken up. And they’re going through the process now of trying to heal. They’re OK,” Taylor said.
According to Taylor, the deputies were met with gunfire when they approached the home and called for backup. Fortunately, the officers were only wounded by shrapnel, and none were directly hit. A standoff followed, ending when the suspect voluntarily surrendered. James Andru Lehnerd is now in custody and awaiting charges.
The sheriff’s office has asked the Virginia State Police to investigate the shooting. Sgt. Rick Garletts of the State Police told the Associated Press, “We’re very happy that there were no further injuries tonight. This could have ended much worse than it did.”
