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Two women found dead at Bristol hotel; police arrest suspect after shootout

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Two women were found dead at an Extended Stay America Suites in Bristol, and a suspect is in custody – after firing dozens of rounds at police.

Antonio Megginson, 47, has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, though additional charges are pending.

The scene unfolded in the early-morning hours on Sunday at the hotel, located off I-81 Exit 7.

According to police reports, Bristol Police were called to the scene at 2:40 a.m. Sunday for the report of a man with a firearm.

Megginson, a guest at the hotel, reportedly fired at the responding officers, and 30 to 40 shots were exchanged before Megginson barricaded himself inside the hotel.

During the back-and-forth, two victims, identified as Brenda Tackett, 54, of Bristol, and Andrea Mallory, 35, of Bristol, were located at the location – one in the parking lot, one in a hotel room.

Bristol Police Chief Byron Ashbrook told a local TV station that officers worked to evacuate hotel guests in rooms near the suspect before clearing the rest of the hotel.

After a lengthy standoff, Virginia State Police troopers entered the room, and Megginson surrendered and was arrested at the scene.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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