GRETNA, Virginia—A normal warrant service took a disastrous turn Wednesday night when a guy from Virginia opened fire on three sheriff’s deputies, wounding them all with shrapnel before they were arrested.
Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve 39-year-old James Andru Lehnerd with numerous warrants and a protection order at approximately 5 p.m. in the Gretna area of Pittsylvania County. (WDBJ)
Deputies Injured, One Hospitalized
Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s officials later acknowledged that the three deputies were injured by shrapnel rather than direct gunshot, despite initial allegations that they had been shot. Only one deputy needed hospital treatment, and the injuries were not life-threatening. Since then, that person has been set free.
A SWAT team was sent in to help remove the injured from the house because of safety concerns following the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.
Suspect in Custody, Charges Pending
According to authorities, Lehnerd was taken into custody at the site and will be charged with a crime related to the incident. According to the Pittsburgh County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the matter has been turned over to the Virginia State Police for further investigation. (WTOC)
Shortly after his arrest, Lehnerd was shown in a mugshot made public by the sheriff’s office. The reasons behind the protection order and warrants have not yet been made public.
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