Virginia state trooper dies after being shot during a drug raid

A Virginia State Police Trooper, who was shot in the line of duty Monday night, has died, WDBJ-TV reported.

What happened?

Trooper Lucas B. Dowell, 28, was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force in executing a search warrant at a home in Farmville, Virginia, Monday night. The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Dowell was struck by gunfire when the tactical team entered the residence shortly before 10 p.m. Officers returned fire on the suspect who died at the scene, according to authorities.

The officer was transported to a local hospital where he died.

"This is an extremely difficult day for the State Police," Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent, said in a statement Tuesday morning. "We are humbled by Lucas' selfless sacrifice and grateful for his dedicated service to the commonwealth. He will forever be remembered by his State Police family for his great strength of character, tenacity, valor, loyalty, and sense of humor."

No other officers were injured in the incident.

Who was the suspect?

Police have identified the suspect as 44-year-old Corey Johnson, according to WFXR-TV. His remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, according to police.

Johnson was the only individual inside his residence at the time of the shooting, police said.

How many years was Dowell on the force?

Dowell was a 4 1/2-year veteran of the force. His latest assignment was on patrol in Area 20, which covers the city of Lynchburg, and Amherst and Campbell counties. He graduated from Virginia State Police's 122nd Basic Session in November 2014, reports said.

In 2015, he joined the Appomattox Division Tactical Team, which is the equivalent of a SWAT Team. The fallen officer graduated from Radford University with bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2013.

Dowell is the department's 66th officer to be killed in the line of duty.

What else?

The officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Appomattox Field Office investigates the incident.