Chesterfield County, VA — A Chesterfield County police canine was killed and two police officers remain hospitalized after a gunman opened fire on responding officers during a domestic disturbance call Sunday afternoon, according to the Chesterfield County Police Department. The suspect was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire and remains hospitalized.
The shooting unfolded at about 4:40 p.m. Sunday in the 12900 block of Gumfork Place after police received a report of shots fired inside a residence during a domestic incident. Authorities said an adult woman told dispatchers that a man known to her had fired shots inside the home and was attempting to force his way into the upstairs bedroom where she had taken refuge.
When officers entered the residence to respond to the emergency, they encountered an armed suspect.
Officers Ambushed After Entering Home
According to Chesterfield County Police, the suspect was armed with a long gun and fired multiple rounds at responding officers inside the residence.
Two officers were struck by gunfire, and a police canine accompanying officers during the response was also shot.
The wounded officers were transported to area hospitals, where they remain in critical but stable condition, police said Monday.
The police canine died from injuries sustained during the shooting.
Key Points
• Two Chesterfield County police officers remain hospitalized after being shot during a domestic disturbance response.
• A police canine was killed after a suspect allegedly opened fire with a long gun.
• The suspect was wounded and remains hospitalized as the investigation continues.
Domestic Violence Call Escalated Into Gun Battle
Investigators said the incident began as a reported domestic disturbance involving gunfire inside the residence.
The woman who called police reported that the suspect had already fired shots within the home before attempting to gain access to the room where she was sheltering.
Those circumstances prompted officers to enter the residence to address what authorities described as an active and potentially life-threatening situation.
Once inside, officers came under fire from the suspect, leading to the exchange that left multiple people injured.
Police have not released the identities of the officers, the suspect, or the woman involved.
Police Canine Dies From Injuries
The death of the police canine marks one of the most significant losses for the department in the incident.
Police canines frequently assist officers during high-risk calls, including searches, suspect apprehensions, and tactical operations. In this case, the canine was deployed alongside officers responding to a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation.
Chesterfield County Police have not yet released the canine’s name or additional details regarding its service history.
“The police canine died as a result of his injuries,” the department said in an update released Monday.
Suspect Hospitalized as Investigation Continues
The suspect was also injured during the confrontation and transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not disclosed the extent of the suspect’s injuries, nor have they announced any charges related to the shooting.
Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to reconstruct the events that led to the shooting. Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app.
As of Monday, two Chesterfield County police officers remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition, the suspect remained under medical care, and investigators continued examining the officer-involved shooting.