AUGUSTA CO., Va. (WHSV) A state trooper shot a man at a rest area on I-81 in Augusta County.
It happened Sunday evening at the northbound rest area between Staunton and Harrisonburg, which is near Exit 233.
The incident began with a suspicious person call about two men at the southbound rest stop. The caller was alarmed by comments that the men were making.
A state trooper responded to the call at 9:46 p.m. When the trooper approached the men at their vehicle, one of the men ran off on foot. He crossed the southbound lanes, ran across the median and across to the northbound rest area.
The trooper ran after the man and caught up to him at the fence line behind the rest area. According to Virginia State Police, the man then pulled out a knife and advanced on the trooper, causing the trooper to shoot the man.
The man was flown to the UVA Hospital for serious injuries. The trooper was not hurt.
The other man has been detained for questioning.
The state trooper has been placed on administrative leave with pay, which is typical policy for these types of incidents.
State police are investigating.
