BLAND COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE - 1:46 p.m.
Virginia State Police said the man in custody is Brandon Amos-Dixon, 25, of Spring Lake, North Carolina.
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Police say Amos-Dixon is charged with the following:
- One felony count of being a fugitive from justice
- One felony count of assault on a police officer
- One felony count of eluding police
- Reckless driving
He is being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail, according to VSP.
Authorities say shortly before 6 a.m., Thursday, VSP and the Bland County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to a murder suspect parked at the northbound rest area on Interstate 77.
As authorities approached Amos-Dixon’s pick-up truck in the rest area parking lot, he sped up and headed north on Interstate 77, according to police.
VSP said a pursuit was initiated, during which Amos-Dixon hit a state police vehicle. Police say he then exited at Exit 64 and headed west on Route 61 before crashing in the 1000 block of Clear Fork Road, where Amos-Dixon ran off on foot.
Police say a search began and local residents were advised to shelter in place.
At around 11:39 a.m., Amos-Dixon was located near Laurel Fork Road, according to VSP.
UPDATE - 1:40 p.m.
Bland County Public Schools is no longer in lockdown due to the suspect being in custody, according to school division officials.
BCPS says schools will now resume their normal schedule. High schoolers currently at Bland County Elementary will remain there for the remainder of the day.
School officials say regular bus routes will run at normal school dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
UPDATE
A suspect considered armed and dangerous is now in custody, according to the Bland County Sheriff’s Office.
“Thank you to our citizens for all your help with this matter,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
It’s unclear if the lockdown for Bland County Schools has been lifted.
We’re working for you to learn more.
ORIGINAL STORY
Bland County Schools are on lockdown as deputies and Virginia State Police search for a man who is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Bland County Sheriff’s Office.
This comes after a pursuit that ended in a vehicle crash.
We’re told the suspect, who is about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, is on foot in the area of Clear Fork Creek Road.
Authorities did not provide a photo of the man.
If you see the suspect, call 911 immediately and do not approach him.
You may have noticed a difference in how we’ve been reporting on crime. To learn more, click here or email trust@wsls.com.
