MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Officials say 35-year-old William Hall took his own life, found dead in the attic of Redeeming Life Ministries Church between Buena Vista and Glasgow; a gun was found near Hall’s body. Police SWAT teams had surrounded the church for much of the day after signs of forced entry were noticed.
EARLIER: From Virginia State Police: Federal, state and local law enforcement are continuing their search efforts in Rockbridge County Monday for a male subject who shot at a deputy shortly after midnight Saturday (Dec. 5). A Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on Route 60 in the county. The deputy activated his emergency lights and the vehicle’s driver, William Evan Hall, 35, pulled over and stopped. During the course of the traffic stop, Hall fired at the deputy at least two times. The deputy’s vehicle was struck. Fortunately, the deputy was not injured. Hall then sped away from the scene. A pursuit was initiated by the deputy, but was discontinued when the responding deputies lost sight of Hall’s vehicle. The sheriff’s office later located Hall’s abandoned vehicle.
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During the course of the investigation, Rockbridge County deputies responded to a call of a break-in at a residence in the 100 block of Bennetts Run Road that occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m., Saturday (Dec. 5). Evidence at the scene indicates Hall stole clothing and a firearm from the residence.
Hall is a white male, 6’1 tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds. The 35-year-old has a muscular build, buzz cut, and numerous tattoos. He is from Abingdon, Va., but has been living in the Lynchburg and Roanoke areas for the last several weeks. Hall is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached.
Rockbridge County residents are advised to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office by dialing 911. The public can also contact state police on a cell at #77 or by calling 1-800-542-5959 or by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
