HILLSVILLE, VIRGINIA– A sheriff’s deputy in Virginia died Friday after a man opened fire on deputies conducting a welfare check, law enforcement officials said.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said the fatal shooting occurred after law enforcement received a request from a family member for a welfare check.
The sheriff’s office said a man in the home opened fire on deputies, who returned fire. The two deputies were shot.
“One deputy was fatally injured and pronounced dead. The second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and is currently receiving a medical evaluation and is said to be in stable condition,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a news release.
A search is underway for the suspect. Law enforcement officials said he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Officials did not immediately identify the officer who was killed.
“My office is closely monitoring this tragic incident,” Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger wrote on social media. “I encourage anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police. My thoughts are with the deputy’s family and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as we work to resolve this horrific situation.”