A Virginia State Trooper, 28-year-old Lucas B. Dowell, was killed while on duty during a nighttime search-warrant operation in Cumberland County on February 4, 2019. Trooper Dowell was part of a tactical team assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force. Shortly before 10 p.m., the team made entry into a residence and encountered gunfire from an adult male inside. Dowell was struck and taken to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, where he died of his wounds.

The lone occupant of the home, identified as 44-year-old Corey Johnson of Cumberland County, was fatally wounded when other members of the tactical team returned fire and died at the scene. Because the sole suspect was killed during the exchange, no arrests were made in connection with Trooper Dowell’s death. Trooper Dowell, a four-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, was remembered for his strength of character, valor, and sense of humor.

If anyone has information about that operation or recalls details from the night of February 4, 2019, please come forward.