Newport News, Va. - A 36-year-old man was shot by a Newport News Police Officer early Wednesday morning in the 300 block of St. Thomas Drive.
Police say they were called to the area around 1:50 a.m. in reference to a suicidal person, threatening suicide by cop. According to police, there were 10 past incidents this year with this man so several officers responded to the scene.
When officers arrived, they found a man wearing a ballistic vest with the word "POLICE." He was armed with an AR-15 rifle and a handgun.
According to police, officers "challenged" the man and told him to drop his weapon. When the man did not drop his weapon, one officer fired, striking the man in the lower abdomen.
He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life threatening.
No officers were injured. All officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police confirm to NewsChannel 3 that the officers were wearing body cameras, but they are unsure what was captured at this time.
