Virginia State Police investigate fatal shooting in Rockbridge County involving vehicle stolen in Vinton
RICHMOND—Virginia State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred in Rockbridge County Tuesday, December 20, 2011.
The incident began Tuesday morning when Virginia State Police were notified by the Town of Vinton Police of a reported stolen vehicle possibly being in the area of Natural Bridge. Troopers responded to the area to search for the white 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu had been stolen from the parking lot of a Vinton convenience store, DK Tobacco on December 19.
At around 10 a.m. Trooper R.W. Miller located the stolen car in the parking lot of the Glasgow Lifesaving and First Aid Crew Station #2. The trooper pulled up to the vehicle, which appeared to be unoccupied. As the trooper approached the stolen car, he spotted a male subject inside. A struggle ensued between the two. The male driver then grabbed a handgun laying on the front seat of his car and was turning to point the gun at the trooper when the trooper fired at the suspect. The suspect, Wayne S.Lyall, 39, of Clintwood, Virginia, died at the scene. Clintwood is located in Dickenson County in far southwestern Virginia.
Lyall was transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Roanoke for examination and identification.
Trooper Miller was not injured in the incident. In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the trooper has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
The Virginia State Police Salem Field Office’s “Police Shooting Investigative Team” is continuing its investigation into the incident.
