Accident – Death – Obituary News :

James City County Police Officer Discharges Firearm During Domestic Dispute Incident

JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — In a recent domestic dispute incident, a James City County police officer discharged their firearm while responding to a distress call. The incident took place on Saturday evening in the Lake Powell subdivision’s 5200 block of Pierside Reach.

According to authorities, the incident unfolded when officers received a call regarding a domestic dispute. The caller reported that the suspect was brandishing a shotgun and threatening them, preventing them from leaving their residence.

Upon arrival at the scene, the officers observed the suspect and the caller outside the home. Sensing the potential danger, the two responding officers quickly took cover as the suspect moved through the front yard. It was approximately 7:03 p.m. when this unfolded.

One officer engaged the suspect, issuing verbal commands to drop the weapon, while the second officer ensured the safety of the caller, escorting them away from harm’s way. However, the suspect disregarded the officer’s commands and continued advancing towards them with the shotgun still in hand.

In response to the imminent threat, the first officer discharged their department-issued firearm. The suspect, upon being confronted with the officer’s action, dropped the shotgun, allowing the officers to safely apprehend and detain him. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the officer’s use of force.

The suspect has been identified as 83-year-old Paul Baker, a resident of James City County. Following the incident, Baker received medical evaluation at the scene and was subsequently taken into custody. He has since been transported to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Baker is currently facing multiple charges, including two counts of assault and battery of a family/household member, assault and battery against a law enforcement officer, brandishing a firearm, and reckless handling of a firearm. He is being held without bond and may face additional charges as the investigation progresses.

In light of the incident, Chief Mark Jamison has requested the involvement of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation to conduct a thorough investigation. While the domestic incident investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the James City County Police Department (JCCPD), the officer involved has been assigned to a non-enforcement, modified role until the investigation reaches its conclusion.

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