WILLIAMSBURG — A 33-year-old man was shot and killed by police after he stabbed a woman inside a Ross Dress for Less in Williamsburg, then attacked police officers in a Home Depot with a hammer, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Ron Montgomery said deputies first received a call from the Ross department store at 3:25 p.m. with reports of a man stabbing a woman. The woman was taken to a local hospital and is recovering from her injuries. The man was identified by YPSO on Thursday as Stephen Thomas Ball; he is from Newport, North Carolina.
Ball attacked the woman when she was leaving the store and continued the attack outside, Montgomery said. The woman and Ball did not know each other, authorities say.
"She was leaving, she had been shopping, and the minute he walked in and spotted her, for whatever reason, it was unprovoked, he attacked her," Montgomery said.
The attack was caught on Ross's surveillance footage but will not be shared with media.
Officials from both James City County (JCC) and YPSO received a call from a witness who followed Ball to the Home Depot, according to James City County Police Chief Mark Jamison.
Ball had a hammer when two JCC officers approached him. Jamison said he was told to drop the hammer several times, but instead raised it over his head and ran at the officers.
Both officers shot Ball, then immediately rendered aid and called for medics, Jamison said. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"I truly believe this individual could have harmed others, and I truly believe our officers acted in their best interest and the interest of the community," Jamison said.
Montgomery he's not sure at this point in the investigation many shots were fired by officers. No officers or deputies were injured, but the ones who shot the suspect have been placed on modified leave.
"You never want to be in a situation like this," Jamison said. "It's tragic for everyone involved."
This is an active investigation being conducted by the YPSO, but Montgomery said they will collaborate with the James City County department.
