Man killed after he shot and injured driver in Henry County

HENRY COUNTY, VA – A man is dead and another is injured after an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday in Henry County.
 

Shortly before 3 p.m., a white 1999 Buick LeSabre stopped on the Route 220 northbound on-ramp and its driver got out the vehicle armed with a hunting rifle.

The driver, Donald W. Hodges, 57, of Bassett, then began shooting at a vehicle as it drove past him, according to Virginia State Police.

The vehicle was struck, but the driver was not injured.

State Police said Hodges then fired at a pickup truck as it approached him and the driver was hit.

Within seconds, a Henry County deputy responded and pulled up in front of Hodges' Buick.

Police report that the deputy engaged Hodges, fired at him and Hodges died at the scene.

The pickup truck driver was taken to Sovah Health in Martinsville for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, according to authorities.

At the request of Sheriff Lane Perry, the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Salem Field Office is investigating the incident

The deputy was not injured.

State Police said at this time, it appears Hodges had been driving along Route 220 and brandishing the rifle at passing vehicles.

If anyone witnessed the shootings and/or encountered the white Buick LaSabre, they are asked to contact VSP by calling 540-380-5700 or by emailing questions@vsp.virginia.gov.