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

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.