PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he opened fire on deputies attempting to serve warrants and a protective order Wednesday evening.

According to the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived in the 100 block of Blue Jay Lane around 5:36 p.m. August 13 to serve warrants for brandishing a firearm, trespassing, and a temporary protective order on 36-year-old James Andru Lehnerd.

Authorities said Lehnerd resisted and began firing at the deputies.

Three of the four deputies on scene sustained non-life-threatening shrapnel wounds from the gunfire.

One investigator was treated and released from Gretna ER that night.

Additional law enforcement agencies responded to evacuate the wounded deputies, contain the scene, and work toward apprehending the suspect.

Negotiators made repeated attempts to contact Lehnerd without success, authorities said.

Members of the special weapons and tactics team later entered the residence, taking Lehnerd into custody around 11 p.m. without further incident.

Lehnerd is charged with trespassing, brandishing a firearm, service of a protective order, and attempted capital murder of law enforcement officers.

He was arraigned Thursday morning, appointed an attorney, and is being held without bond.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for October 23 at 1:30 p.m. in Pittsylvania County General District Court.

The sheriff’s office says additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

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ORIGINAL STORY — August 13

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Three Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies were injured Wednesday evening when a man opened fire as they attempted to serve warrants in Pittsville.

Sheriff Mike Taylor said the deputies arrived in the 600 block of Blue Jay Lane shortly before 5 p.m. on August 13 to serve warrants for brandishing a firearm and trespassing, along with a protective order.

As they approached the door, they were met with gunfire.

Two deputies were struck by shrapnel, and one was taken to a hospital as a precaution before being released.

All three sustained only superficial injuries but were described as “shaken up” by the encounter, according to Sheriff Taylor.

The suspect, identified as James Andru Lehnerd, surrendered after an hours-long standoff and was taken into custody without further incident.

He is currently in jail awaiting charges, which officials say will be serious and determined in consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Virginia State Police have been asked to lead the investigation, with agents gathering evidence and interviewing Lehnerd.

The standoff drew a large law enforcement and emergency response, including units from the Amherst, Campbell, and Bedford County sheriff’s offices; Gretna, Hurt, Danville, Altavista and Lynchburg police departments; Hurt Volunteer Fire Department; Gretna Fire and EMS; Centra One medical helicopter; Pittsylvania County Public Safety; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Officials said no further details would be released until the investigation progresses.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.