Lucas Dowell, a 28-year-old State Trooper in Virginia, was tragically shot and killed during a drug raid in Farmville on Monday, February 4.
According to the Virginia State Police, Dowell — who was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team — was shot and killed by a suspect when he entered a Farmville home around 8 p.n. on February 4. Dowell was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force in a drug raid.
Following the shooting, Dowell was immediately taken to Southside Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police did clarify that responding officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect.
At the time of this writing, the suspect — who was the only person in the domicile in the 1500 block of Cumberland Road at the time of the deadly shooting — has not been identified. Furthermore, it is currently unclear whether or not the identity of the suspects is going to be eventually disclosed.
In a statement, Colonel Gary T. Settle — the Virginia State Police Superintendent — said that it was an “extremely difficult day” for the State Police.
“This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police. We are humbled by Lucas’ selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth. He will forever be remembered by his State Police Family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty and sense of humor,” Colonel Settle said.
Additionally, the Virginia State Police announced that while no other troopers were injured in the shooting, the two troopers who returned fire were placed on administrative leave.
At this time, an investigation into the incident is underway.
State Trooper Dowell, who first joined the Virginia State Police back in 2014, is survived by his parents and sister.
Our thoughts and prayers are with State Trooper Dowell’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.
