Virginia State Police has identified the suspect involved in the fatal shooting of Trooper Dowell as 44-year-old Corey Johnson.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A Virginia State Trooper was killed in the line of duty after a man began shooting at officers attempting to enter the suspect's home using a search warrant for a narcotics investigation.
Trooper Lucas B. Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team. On Monday, police say the team was performing a search warrant at a man's home in Farmville, Virginia.
When officers entered the home, a man inside began shooting at them. Investigators say officers returned gunfire and killed the suspect.
Officers are still in the process of confirming the suspect's identity and his next of kin.
Trooper Dowell graduated the Virginia State Police’s 122nd Basic Session in November 2014. Since graduation he has been assigned to the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division; his latest assignment was on patrol in Area 20, which encompasses the City of Lynchburg, and Amherst and Campbell counties.
He was a member of the Appomattox Division Tactical Team - the equivalent of a SWAT Team.
"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," said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
Trooper Dowell is survived by his parents and sister.
No other troopers were hurt in the shooting.
In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the two troopers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave.