HENRY COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 11:05 p.m.:
A 57-year-old man is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Henry County on Friday, according to Virginia State Police.
Sheriff Layne Perry with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office told BTW 21 that they received reports of a man with a gun driving around “somewhat erratically” around 2:50 p.m.
Virginia State Police said the vehicle, a white 1999 Buick LeSabre, stopped on the northbound Route 220 on-ramp, then the driver exited the vehicle.
We’re told the driver, 57-year-old Donald Hodges, was armed with a hunting rifle and began shooting at a vehicle as it drove by.
The vehicle was hit by the gunshot, but luckily, the driver was not hurt, according to police.
VSP said Hodges then fired at a pickup truck as it got closer to him, striking the driver. The driver was transported to Sovah Health Martinsville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Seconds later, a Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the area and pulled in front of the Buick and fired at Hodges, authorities said. Hodges died at the scene.
The deputy was not injured in the incident, state police said.
Police said it appears that Hodges had been driving along Route 220 and brandishing the firearm at other motorists.
As the investigation continues, VSP says they are working to recreate the moments leading up to the shooting. If anyone witnessed the shootings and/or encountered the white Buick LaSabre, you’re asked to contact Virginia State Police by calling #77 on a cell phone or 540-380-5700 or by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
You can see earlier breaking news coverage below.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.:
One man is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Henry County on Friday, according to Virginia State Police.
Sheriff Layne Perry with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office told BTW 21 that they received reports of a man with a gun driving around “somewhat erratically” around 2:50 p.m.
The incident happened on the exit ramp from Route 220, from Greensboro Road, according to state police.
The man then got out of the vehicle and started shooting at other vehicles on the roadway, authorities said.
“Through the course of it, in a distance here, it is possible a rifle barrel could be seen sticking out of the vehicle. It’s possible the weapon was fired at cars,” the Sheriff said in the interview.
An officer encountered the man, who has now died from his wounds, according to the Sheriff. He did not specify what happened during the encounter.
Virginia State Police is now investigating the case.
At 5:39 p.m., US-220 was still closed in both directions, and traffic was being diverted off of US-220 north and south onto BUS US-220, according to VDOT.
10 News has a crew at the scene working for you to learn more.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police activity has traffic at a standstill on US-220 in Henry County, according to VDOT.
Authorities say the police activity is near Greensboro Road and BUS US-220N.
As of 3:17 p.m., all northbound and southbound lanes were closed.
We have reached out to area authorities for more details.
Stay with 10 News as this story develops