PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. — A high-stakes law enforcement operation in Pittsylvania County turned into a dangerous standoff Wednesday night after deputies attempting to serve multiple warrants and a protective order were met with gunfire. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect, James Andru Lehnerd, is now in custody, and a comprehensive investigation is underway as officials assess the sequence of events that led to the confrontation.

The incident unfolded around Blue Jay Lane in Gretna, where deputies from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office approached the residence with the intention of executing the warrants and enforcing a protective order. According to law enforcement, upon arrival, deputies were immediately met with gunfire, prompting an escalated response from multiple agencies and the deployment of a SWAT team to secure the area.

Initial reports indicated that deputies might have sustained direct gunshot wounds. However, the Sheriff’s Office later clarified that the injuries were caused by shrapnel or debris resulting from the suspect firing at law enforcement, rather than direct hits from bullets. One deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Authorities confirmed that the other deputies involved sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

The suspect, James Andru Lehnerd, a resident of Gretna, was eventually taken into custody without further incident. Lehnerd is currently facing pending charges, as confirmed by the Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Officials have not yet released detailed information on the specific charges, but they are expected to include assault on law enforcement officers and firearms-related offenses.

Timeline of the Incident

According to law enforcement officials, deputies arrived at the Blue Jay Lane residence shortly after sunset. The operation was initially routine, involving the service of multiple warrants and the enforcement of a protective order. However, the situation quickly escalated when Lehnerd allegedly opened fire on the officers as they approached the property.

The immediate reaction from the deputies, combined with the threat posed by gunfire, prompted the deployment of the Pittsylvania County SWAT team to ensure the safe extraction of officers from the dangerous scene. Emergency responders described the area near Pittsville Road and Homestead Road as heavily secured, with a “very heavy scene” including law enforcement vehicles, emergency response units, and medevac support positioned strategically to respond to any escalation.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the response, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. These included:

• Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

• Campbell County Sheriff’s Office

• Amherst County Sheriff’s Office

• Danville Police Department

• Virginia State Police, which will lead the official investigation

• Gretna Fire and Rescue

• Hurt Fire Department

• U.S. Marshals Service

• Centra Medical Helicopter services for emergency medical support

Emergency and law enforcement personnel maintained a secure perimeter throughout the evening while coordinating efforts to safely take Lehnerd into custody. Multiple witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing a large law enforcement presence, with police vehicles and tactical units occupying surrounding roads to restrict access and ensure public safety.

Details About the Suspect

James Andru Lehnerd, the suspect in the incident, is described as a local resident of Gretna, Virginia. While officials have not released information regarding his criminal history, sources suggest that Lehnerd may have had prior run-ins with law enforcement. The warrants being served at the time of the shooting have not been fully disclosed, but they were reportedly tied to both legal and protective concerns within the county.

Law enforcement described the encounter as extremely dangerous due to Lehnerd’s willingness to fire upon deputies. The sheriff’s office emphasized the risk involved in the situation and credited the rapid response of multiple agencies for preventing further injuries.

Impact on Deputies and Law Enforcement Response

Three deputies were involved in the incident. One sustained shrapnel injuries severe enough to warrant hospitalization, but authorities confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening. The remaining deputies were treated at the scene for minor injuries and released shortly after.

The response to the shooting demonstrated a coordinated effort between local, regional, and state law enforcement agencies. In addition to tactical deployment, emergency medical services and air support were on standby to ensure rapid treatment if necessary. The presence of a Centra medical helicopter underscores the potential severity of injuries in incidents involving firearms and law enforcement.

A press briefing was held after the suspect’s arrest, involving officials from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the Virginia State Police, highlighting the collaborative nature of the response and the ongoing commitment to transparency as details emerge.

Community Response and Safety Measures

The shooting took place in a residential area near Blue Jay Lane, which raised immediate concerns among local residents. Authorities advised residents to remain indoors while the situation was being addressed. Witnesses described seeing a significant law enforcement presence, with officers and SWAT personnel actively securing the perimeter.

One nearby resident described hearing multiple rounds of gunfire: “I heard two rounds of multiple gunshots, probably six to twelve rounds at first. I thought it was a garbage truck or something falling over. Then there was a pause, and another round fired. When I stepped out on my balcony, I saw someone dressed all in black running from the building toward the park. That’s exactly where the SWAT team was searching.”

Authorities also noted that the incident created temporary disruptions in local traffic and emergency access routes. Roads near the intersection of Pittsville Road and Homestead Road were closed for several hours while emergency services managed the scene and ensured safety. Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes during the height of the response.

Official Statements

Sheriff officials have expressed relief that no deputies suffered life-threatening injuries. In a statement, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said:

“Our deputies acted swiftly and with professionalism under extremely dangerous conditions. Their safety and the safety of the public were our top priorities. We are grateful that the deputies involved are recovering and receiving the care they need.”

The Virginia State Police, which will lead the investigation, noted that the circumstances of the shooting, including the decision to open fire on deputies, are under full review. Officials have pledged to release updates as more information becomes available.

Investigation Underway

The investigation into the events surrounding the Blue Jay Lane shooting is ongoing. Authorities will examine multiple factors, including the nature of the warrants, the sequence of events leading to the gunfire, and Lehnerd’s motive. They will also analyze whether any additional threats to public safety existed during the incident.

Charges against Lehnerd are pending and are expected to include assault on law enforcement officers, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possibly other felony charges related to the attempted shooting. The Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is actively reviewing the case to determine the appropriate legal action.

Forensic teams, including Virginia State Police investigators, have been working to collect evidence from the scene. This includes shell casings, ballistic data, and other physical evidence critical to reconstructing the events. Interviews with deputies, neighbors, and witnesses are also part of the investigation to ensure a thorough understanding of the incident.

Support for Injured Deputies

In addition to medical treatment, resources have been made available to support the deputies emotionally and mentally following the traumatic event. Law enforcement agencies emphasized the importance of peer support and counseling for officers involved in such high-stress incidents.

Public Advisory and Law Enforcement Coordination

Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation. Citizens with knowledge of the incident or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity near Blue Jay Lane on Wednesday evening are encouraged to contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident has highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between multiple agencies when responding to potentially violent situations. Collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office, neighboring county law enforcement, Virginia State Police, and federal partners like the U.S. Marshals ensured a swift and controlled resolution.

Conclusion

The Blue Jay Lane shooting underscores the inherent risks faced by law enforcement when serving warrants, particularly in cases where suspects may be armed and willing to use deadly force. While the injured deputies are recovering and the suspect is in custody, authorities continue to investigate and review every aspect of the encounter to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.

As Pittsylvania County and Gretna residents reflect on the events of Wednesday night, law enforcement agencies are reminding the community of the importance of reporting suspicious behavior and cooperating with authorities. The collaborative response, involving multiple jurisdictions and tactical units, demonstrates a commitment to officer safety, community protection, and the rule of law.

Authorities have confirmed that James Andru Lehnerd remains in custody, with charges pending, and the Virginia State Police will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to exercise caution in the vicinity of Blue Jay Lane while law enforcement continues its work.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in law enforcement operations and the bravery of deputies who confront volatile situations to uphold the law and protect the community.