Virginia Police Officer Accused of Shooting Woman during a domestic incident is now the focus of a multi-state manhunt after authorities located his vehicle near Henderson, North Carolina.
HENDERSON, N.C. — The manhunt for a Virginia law enforcement officer accused of shooting a woman during a domestic incident has now spilled into North Carolina — and authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
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According to Virginia State Police, investigators are searching for Charles Stokes, 44, who is accused of opening fire on a woman while she was inside a moving vehicle Sunday afternoon in Lunenburg County.
Troopers say the shooting happened during a domestic-related dispute. The woman was rushed to a hospital for treatment, though police have not released details about her condition.
Here’s where it gets messy.
Virginia authorities say Stokes — who works with the police department in Kenbridge — fled the scene and crossed state lines. Later that same day, the black Toyota Camry he was driving was found abandoned at Brocklyn Hauling in Henderson.
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The Henderson Police Department is clearing the air after news reports linked the city to the Virginia shooting investigation.
According to Henderson police, while reports circulated claiming a vehicle connected to the case was found in the city, the vehicle was not located in Henderson. Authorities say it was discovered near U.S. Highway 1 North in the area of Greystone Road, which falls outside city limits.
Police confirmed the situation at that location is being handled by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, which has primary jurisdiction.
But that wasn’t the end.
Virginia police say a second vehicle — a 2007 silver Honda Civic with Virginia plates TGL 9143 — was reported stolen from the same Henderson location. Investigators now believe Stokes ditched the Camry and took off in the Honda.
Stokes was off duty at the time of the shooting but now faces two felony warrants, including:
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Aggravated malicious wounding
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Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Law enforcement is urging the public not to approach him.
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Anyone with information on Stokes’ whereabouts is urged to contact 911.
