(Danville, VA) – Monday afternoon an officer with the Danville Police Department located a vehicle believed to have been involved in a hit and run incident in the parking lot of the Courtyard Marriott on Riverside Drive.  During their investigation the officer came in contact with a 47 year old white male who is not a resident of the Danville area.

According to a press release from the department the suspect unprovoked, quickly drew a firearm and opened fire striking the officer multiple times. The officer returned fire striking the suspect multiple times in turn. Additional officers responding to the scene administered medical care to both the officer and the subject. Officers on scene then transported the wounded officer directly to the SOVAH Danville Emergency Department, while the suspect was taken by EMS directly to the helipad where he was airlifted for further treatment.

At this time, the wounded officer whose name is being withheld is in stable condition, and was transported by helicopter to a regional trauma center for additional treatment. The suspect’s condition is unknown, and his name is also being withheld pending further investigation. Per department policy the names will be withheld for a period of up to 72 hours.

Danville Police Chief Chris Wiles requested the Virginia State Police to investigate the incident and troopers responded immediately to the scene.