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Lynchburg: Traffic stop leads to tense exchange with officer, struggle for handgun

Crystal Graham
firearm handgun
Stock photo: © Marko (Generated with AI)/stock.adobe.com

A Lynchburg man drew a handgun in a tense confrontation with police after a traffic stop early Thursday morning.

Joseph Michael Scott, 29, was apprehended one day later, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, on Park Avenue.

According to the Lynchburg Police Department, an officer stopped Scott on Federal Street on May 22.

Scott fled from the vehicle, and the officer pursued Scott. However, during the apprehension, Scott allegedly drew a handgun from his waistband. As a struggle for control of the handgun ensured, a number of individuals gathered near the officer and Scott.

In an effort to protect the bystanders, the officer focused on removing and securing the gun from Scott. After retrieving the weapon, Scott fled the scene.

Following Scott’s arrest early Friday, he was transported to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail. He remains in custody without bond.

Scott faces the following charges:

  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
  • Assault and battery on a law enforcement officer
  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Brandishing a firearm
  • Obstruction of justice with force
  • Littering

A second individual was also arrested in connection with the same incident.

Mariah Randolph, 18, of Lynchburg, faces a charge of obstruction of justice without force. Randolph was released on bond.




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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

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