Wythe County, State Police probe July 7 shooting incident

On July 7, shortly before 10:00 P.M. the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police responded to a domestic situation where a gunshot had been fired at 586 Whippoorwill Road here in Wythe County.

The officers responding to the call were walking up to the residence when two deputies were struck by gunfire in the dark.

Law Enforcement returned fire striking the suspect. One deputy has been taken to Roanoke Carillion Hospital and is in serious condition. One deputy has since been released. The suspect has also been taken to Roanoke Carillion Hospital and listed in serious condition.

Sergeant Chris Coleman was shot in the back near his spine. Chief Deputy Charles Foster was also struck by a bullet in the arm. They have both been treated and released from the hospital.

The suspect was identified as Ricky Madison Delk. This former law enforcement officer from Florida is still in the hospital as he also was struck by gunfire in the shootout.

He has been charged with 8 counts of attempted capital murder and 8 counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

This is an ongoing investigation.

From the Virginia State Police

At the request of the Wythe County Sheriff, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Field Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting that took place Tuesday night (July 7) outside a residence in the 500 block of Whippoorwill Road in Wythe County.

The adult male who shot at and injured two Wythe County Sheriff’s Deputies is still being treated at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for serious injuries.

Once state police concludes its investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for final review and adjudication.