Roanoke, VIRGINIA - United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen joins the Virginia State Police and law enforcement throughout the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Virginia State Police Trooper Lucas B. Dowell, a Chilhowie, Virginia native who died in the line of duty Monday, February 4, 2019.
“As this terrible incident illustrates, police officers risk their lives every time they put on a uniform," U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Trooper Dowell’s bravery and sacrifice are a sobering reminder of those dangers. The federal law-enforcement community in Western Virginia mourns the loss of this courageous young man and will honor his legacy."
Trooper Dowell was a member of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team that was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug Task Force with executing a search warrant at a residence in Cumberland County, Virginia just north of the town of Farmville. According to the Virginia State Police, the tactical team had made entry into the residence shortly before 10 p.m. when an adult male inside the residence began shooting at them, hitting Trooper Dowell.
Trooper Dowell was transported to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville where he later died from his injuries. Trooper Dowell becomes the Virginia State Police’s 66th line of duty death. Trooper Dowell graduated from the Virginia State Police’s 122nd Basic Session in November 2014. Since graduation, he has been assigned to the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division. Trooper Dowell is survived by his parents and a sister.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
