Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Vester Flanagan shoots self when confronted by police


Law enforcement officials have confirmed that they confronted Vester Flanagan on Interstate 66 and Flanagan shot himself. Flanigan shot himself near mile marker 17 on I-66 around 11:25 a.m. and is currently in critical condition.

Flanagan is suspected of fatally shooting a TV reporter and photographer in central Virginia Wednesday while conducting a live interview. WDBJ-TV identified the two killed as Alison Parker and Adam Ward.

"The Franklin County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred this morning at Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake. At this time, Franklin County sheriff’s officials can confirm that three people were shot. Two of the individuals are deceased and a third victim is hospitalized. The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. during a WDBJ 7 (CBS affiliate) live shot.

"The shooter has not been apprehended. Attached are two still images of the male suspect that was taken from video that was recorded by a WDBJ camera. The suspect is holding a weapon.

"Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies have secured the area where the shooting occurred and are respectfully asking that the public and media stay away from this area for their safety and so that deputies can move forward with the investigation.

"If anyone has information about the identity of the gunman or other information that may assist investigators, they are asked to call 911 or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 540-483-3000.

"The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by local, state and federal agencies and they are in the process of setting up a command center and staging area for the media. The location is the Willard Office Plaza at 13245 Booker T. Washington Highway in Hardy, Va.," the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

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