For Immediate Release: September 27, 2023
Officer Involved Shooting at Bus Stop on Park Avenue
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Officers with the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) were investigating an incident that led to an officer-involved shooting earlier this morning.
On September 27, 2023, at approximately 9:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2100-block of Park Avenue for the report of an assault with a knife. A 911 caller stated that an adult female was chasing an adult male on foot in Miller Park, with a knife.
Officers located the female at the bus stop in the 2100-block of Park Ave and attempted to communicate with her. The female refused to comply with officers’ commands and reached into a bag next to her producing a knife. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, however, the female stood up and advanced on officers with the knife. One officer discharged their department-issued Taser and another officer discharged their department–issued handgun, striking the woman.
Officers immediately requested the Lynchburg Fire Department (LFD) for assistance. LFD transported the adult female to Lynchburg General Hospital, where she is listed in stable condition.
Chief Ryan Zuidema contacted the Virginia State Police to investigate this incident. LPD is simultaneously conducting an internal investigation.
As is normal practice, when an officer discharges their department-issued firearm in the performance of their duties, they are placed in a non-enforcement, limited–duty assignment until the completion of the investigation. One officer in this case has been placed on limited duty.
Requests for any additional information should be directed to the Virginia State Police.