Man charged with attempted murder after shooting Norton Police Chief, police say

NORTON, Va. — UPDATE: Norton Police Chief James Lane was flown to Johnson City Medical Center, where he is being treated for serious injuries, according to Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine.

Authorities said Lane was shot twice Friday in a shopping plaza in Norton.

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UPDATE: The Norton Police Department received an emergency call concerning a shoplifter at a commercial business within the 600 block of Commonwealth Drive in the city of Norton around 4:10 p.m. on Friday.

Officials say Norton Police Chief James Lane encountered a man who began shooting into the chief's vehicle, striking the chief. The chief returned fire. A Norton Police Officer, who had just arrived on scene, also fired at the suspect, according to authorities. A handgun belonging to the man was recovered at the scene.

The suspect, 35-year-old James Dyer Buckland, of Pound, Virginia, was shot. Officials report Buckland was flown by State Police Med-Flight helicopter to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. He has been charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The chief was also flown to Johnson City Medical Center, where he is being treated for serious injuries.

At the request of the Norton Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Wytheville Field Office is investigating the shooting incident in conjunction with Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Chuck Slemp.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

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Officials report 36-year-old James Dyer Buckland of Pound has been charged with shooting Norton Police Chief James Lane.

Buckland has been charged with attempted capital murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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City officials in Norton, Virginia have confirmed to News 5 that a city officer was involved in a shooting Friday and suffered gunshot wounds.

Norton Police Chief James Lane is stable, but his condition is unknown at this time.

"On behalf of Mayor Joseph Fawbush, the City Council, the city employees, and our entire community, I respectfully ask that you join me in prayer for Chief Lane and his family," said Commonwealth's Attorney Chuck Slemp. "There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time."

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State police are investigating a shooting near the Walmart and Murphy Express gas station in Norton.

According to Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney, Chuck Slemp multiple law enforcement agencies are on the scene.

This is a developing situation. Further information is expected to be released by state police.

We have a crew on the way to the scene.