An armed man was fatally shot by law enforcement in Stafford on Sunday night following a brief altercation in which he was reportedly exhibiting suicidal intent, local authorities said.
Officials from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said the armed man, 36, was encountered by sheriff’s deputies at the intersection of Garrisonville and Ripley roads just before 8 p.m.
When deputies attempted to assist the distressed person, the individual “presented a handgun,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
“Deputies attempted to retreat and instructed the man to drop the gun, but he refused,” the statement read. “The man was subsequently shot.”
Officials on scene attempted to render first aid, officials said, but the man, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement personnel were injured in the altercation, the report said, and the deputies involved were subsequently placed on routine administrative leave.
“While there is no danger to the community, that area will be closed for an extended period of time,” the sheriff’s office statement said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Feature image, New Africa/stock.adobe.com
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