TROUTDALE, Virginia -- A Virginia State Police trooper was attacked by a man with a hatchet at a church Sunday night.
About 20 people were gathered inside a church in the 11000 block of Flatridge Road in Grayson County around 8:30 p.m. when a banging was heard on the doors at the main entrance, according to a news release.
An off-duty trooper opened the door and encountered a man and a dog standing just outside. The trooper asked if he could help and the man yelled back at him. It was at this point that the trooper observed the man was holding a hatchet.
As the trooper attempted to close the door, the man swung the hatchet and struck the back of the trooper's hand. The trooper was able to close the door and directed the members of the congregation to immediately go to the church basement for their safety.
The man and his dog then left the property, at which time the trooper assisted everyone safely to their vehicles. The trooper could hear the man yelling and howling from the woodline and state police responded to the scene to search for the man.
The trooper suffered minor scratches to his hand and was treated at the scene. No one else at the church was injured.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 30's with long, brown hair. He is approximately 5'10 in height and of medium build. He was wearing a backpack and was accompanied by a small, black, collie-mix dog. He may also be in the company of an adult female.
Anyone with information about this individual is asked to please contact the Virginia State Police by dialing 276-228-3131 or by email to [email protected].
