The Wytheville Field Office of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating a fatal shooting in Smyth County. The shooting left one Smyth County Sheriff’s deputy dead and a second Smyth County Sheriff’s deputy injured.The incident began around 5 p.m. on Friday (August 9, 2024) when Marion City Police initiated a traffic stop on Route 16 in the city, but did not stop the vehicle until near the intersection of Route 16 and Hatchery Dr. in the county. Officers from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist Marion Police Officers with the traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the suspect driver fired at the officers and officers, striking both officers. Police returned fire, striking the adult male suspect.
The injured Smyth County Sheriff’s deputy was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect was also flown from the scene to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
No other police officers were injured during the incident.
At the request of the City of Marion Police Chief and the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, State Police are investigating the shootings.
