Roanoke, Virginia – The police officer injured in a confrontation with a homicide suspect in Roanoke has been discharged from the hospital. Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth provided this update, noting that the officer is now recovering at home. This news comes after a tense and dramatic series of events that unfolded in Roanoke.
The incident in question occurred on Sunday, December 3. Roanoke police officers were called to the 1600 block of Lawrence Ave SE for a well-being check around 11:30 a.m., as reported by the department. Upon their arrival, officers discovered 69-year-old Douglas W. McFall inside the residence with critical stab wounds. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Roanoke Police Department (RPD) statement added, “It’s unknown exactly when the homicide occurred, but it’s believed to have been as early as mid-week.”
The investigation quickly led to the identification of the suspect, 39-year-old David Adam McFall, confirmed by Chief Booth to be the victim’s son. Later that afternoon, around 4 p.m., RPD officers spotted David McFall in the 3000 block of Melrose Ave NW. When they attempted to approach him, McFall reportedly opened fire on the officers, leading to a shootout.
Officer Lauren Camper, a member of the RPD Patrol Division with three years of service, was critically injured in the exchange, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to LewisGale Medical Center in a serious condition. David McFall, the suspect in the shooting and the homicide, was shot and killed during the encounter.
In his recent press conference, Chief Booth reflected on the seriousness of Officer Camper’s condition following the incident, expressing relief and hopefulness at her current prognosis. Officer Camper is now at home, recovering from her injuries.
Alongside Officer Camper, other officers involved in the incident were named by Chief Booth. These include Officer D. Gilliam, a patrol officer with just over a year of service, and Detective R. Sloan, a member of the special investigations unit with approximately 15 years of service.
Following standard protocol, all officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. The investigation into the incident, including the officer’s response and the subsequent shooting of David McFall, is being handled by the Virginia State Police. This incident underscores the risks law enforcement officers face and the complexities involved in responding to violent crimes. The community awaits further details as the investigation progresses.
