Virginia man fires at officers trying to serve warrant, injuring 3

A man opened fire when police tried to serve a warrant at a home in southern Virginia, causing shrapnel injuries to three officers, according to local officials. The suspect surrendered after an hours-long standoff.

The incident began on late Wednesday afternoon when officers were trying to serve warrants for trespassing and brandishing a firearm on Blue Jay Lane near Gretna in Pittsylvania County. They also had a protective order they were attempting to serve against the suspect.

Police said the suspect opened fire when deputies arrived at the home, causing superficial shrapnel injuries to three of the officers. Authorities had earlier said the officers had been shot but later clarified that none of them suffered any direct bullet injuries.

The suspect, James Andreu Lehnerd, gave himself up and came out of the house after an hours-long standoff. He was taken into custody without further incident.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the deputies who were shot in Pittsylvania County, as well as their families,” U.S. Rep. John McGuire said in a statement. “We are closely following the situation and keeping everyone affected in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Pittsylvania County is in southern Virginia along the North Carolina border, and Pittsville is about 30 miles east of Roanoke.