Suspect shot after pointing gun at Christiansburg police officer following foot chase

CHRISTIANSBURG, Virginia – A suspect was shot and killed after pointing a gun at a Christiansburg police officer following a foot chase, according to Christiansburg officials.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Friday, 911 dispatchers were alerted to a suspicious individual near Viewland Circle in the Mud Pike area of ​​Montgomery County, near the Christiansburg city limits.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the scene and saw someone with a knife, who then fled on foot.

Deputies temporarily lost sight of the suspect, leading to a foot search with assistance from Christiansburg police.

Christiansburg police found the suspect around 2:15 p.m., but the suspect fled into a wooded area and officers continued to pursue him.

At one point, the suspect stepped out of the tree line and pointed a gun at a Christiansburg police officer. Christiansburg police then shot the suspect, authorities said.

Christiansburg EMS pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.

In accordance with standard protocol and policy, the incident was turned over to the Virginia State Police for investigation, officials said.

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