Police release name of Va. man killed after shooting gun at officers

GREENSVILLE, VA (WWBT) - A Virginia State Trooper and Greensville Sheriff Deputy are on administrative leave after shooting and killing a man who fired at officers, according to State Police.

Investigators say the incident happened after 53-year-old Jeffery Adkins fired shots following hours of negotiation with police.

Deputies had been called to the scene to help Adkins, but investigators say by the time officers arrived, he was already outside and armed with a sawed-off shotgun. The alteration of any firearm is illegal by state code.

It all started on the 200 block of Elm Street Wednesday evening. State police were helping Greensville deputies serve an emergency custody order on Adkins when things took a startling turn. Word spread fast.

"They're just saying it was a shooting around here," said resident Clifton Powell.

State police say Adkins did not want to be taken into custody and was armed with a sawed-off shotgun when they arrived. Officers say he refused to drop the gun after hours of negotiating. Investigators say he shot at police, so they returned fire. Adkins died at the hospital.

"If he had a gun, everyone has to protect themselves. It don't matter who they are, whether a regular citizen or police. Everybody has to protect themselves," Powell added.

The news getting mixed reaction around town.

"There's always another way. You don't always have to shoot to kill…They could've wounded him. They could've shot him in the leg, arm, try to shoot the gun out of his hand. They don't always have to shoot to kill," said Doreatha Hodo.

The Commonwealth's Attorney is now involved in the investigation.

Patricia Watson says the case is "very tragic" and highlights the need for awareness and treatment for those with mental health issues. Watson also says her sympathies are with the family and that more information will be released when it's ready.

"Everybody just needs to respect everybody and everything will be alright man," Powell said.

The Sheriff was not available for comment Thursday and Adkins' family members were too shaken up to speak.