Suspect Pronounced Deceased Following December 24 Incident

 

 

Lynchburg, VA – The Lynchburg Police Department is providing an update to the December 24, 2025 news release regarding an assault and subsequent Taser deployment in the 500 block of 5th Street.

 

The suspect in this incident, Orlando T. Harding, age 38, has been pronounced deceased. The suspect passed away on December 30, 2025, while receiving medical care at Lynchburg General Hospital. 

 

As previously reported, officers responded to a report of an assault at approximately 12:06 p.m. on December 24, 2025. During an attempt to take the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued and a Taser was deployed. After the taser deployment, the suspect continued to resist arrest. A short time later the suspect experienced cardiac arrest. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and were able to regain a pulse prior to the suspect being transported by the Lynchburg Fire Department to the hospital.

 

In accordance with established LPD and State of Virginia protocol, any time a medical incident occurs during an arrest that results in a death, the Virginia State Police are requested to investigate the matter. This incident remains under investigation by the Virginia State Police. Upon completion of the VSP investigation, the LPD will conduct an internal review to ensure all policies and procedures were followed and determine if any of those policies should be updated. 

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. 

 

The Lynchburg Police Department continues to ask anyone with information related to the initial assault or events leading up to the incident to contact LPD at (434) 847-1602. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Central Virginia Crime Stoppers by calling (888) 798-5900 or using the P3 Tips mobile app.