Jacob Wesley Adkins dies in fatal Pittsylvania County shooting

Jacob Wesley Adkins dies in fatal Pittsylvania County shooting

Fatal Pittsylvania County shooting death of Jacob Wesley Adkins – Obituary

Virginia State Police say a deadly confrontation in Pittsylvania County ended with the death of 25-year-old Jacob Wesley Adkins and injuries to a state trooper following an overnight pursuit that escalated into gunfire.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 29 after a Virginia State Trooper located a vehicle that had earlier fled from a Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Authorities said Adkins was wanted on outstanding charges from Campbell County and had managed to get away during the initial pursuit.

According to police, the trooper re-engaged the chase around 12:30 a.m. as Adkins drove a 2018 Ford Fusion through the area. A PIT maneuver was eventually used on Deerview Road to stop the fleeing vehicle.

Investigators said the situation turned violent when Adkins allegedly pulled out a rifle from inside the car and fired at the trooper. The trooper returned fire, striking Adkins during the exchange. Both men were hit by gunfire.

Adkins was pronounced dead at the scene. The trooper was taken to a hospital with injuries that were described as not life-threatening and was later released to recover at home.

Virginia State Police confirmed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from the Salem Field Office is handling the case. Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Pittsylvania Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for further review.