Thank God the Trooper is Alive: A Community United in Prayer
We are deeply grateful and relieved to share that the Virginia State Trooper involved in a dangerous early Monday morning incident in Pittsylvania County is alive and now home, recovering from injuries sustained while bravely protecting the public. We continue to ask the community to keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he heals from this traumatic event.
According to Virginia State Police, the incident occurred around 12:31 a.m. when a trooper located a suspect vehicle traveling north on Route 29. The 2018 Ford Fusion had been the subject of a “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) issued by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office after it had been involved in an earlier pursuit with sheriff’s deputies and initially escaped. When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to comply, initiating another pursuit.
Authorities report that the trooper skillfully employed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on Deerview Road in an effort to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Tragically, investigators say the suspect then produced a rifle and fired at the trooper. In the line of duty, the trooper returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Jacob Wesley Adkins of Hurt, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The trooper sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and, with the assistance of Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office deputies, was promptly transported to Centra Gretna Medical Center for treatment. Today, we are relieved to report that he has returned home and is recovering, surrounded by loved ones and supported by a community that is grateful for his courage.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Field Office, is conducting a thorough investigation, with findings to be submitted to the Pittsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for review.
This incident is a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day and the courage they show in the line of duty. As we reflect on the events of that night, we give thanks to God for sparing the trooper’s life and pray for his continued recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let us also hold in our hearts the families affected and the community that witnessed this frightening event.
Please continue to keep this brave trooper in your prayers, sending strength, healing, and encouragement as he recovers and returns to the service of protecting others.