HAMPTON, Va. — A Chesapeake Sheriff's Deputy, identified as Investigator Scott Chambers, is in the hospital with serious injuries after Hampton Police say a wanted suspect shot him during a traffic stop.
UPDATE: Suspect shot, killed in shootout with deputy in Hampton was wanted in Christmas murder: Police
Chambers is out of surgery but still listed under critical condition after being struck by gunfire twice, says the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office.
Investigator Chambers, 55, is part of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
“Scott Chambers is a true hero. I went through the police academy with Scott almost 30 years ago. He’s a lifelong law enforcement officer and one of my best friends. I’m so incredibly proud of him and the job he does every day. I ask for your thoughts and prayers as he recovers,” says Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan.
Our brothers and sisters of the @ChesSheriffOff are in our hearts as they await the news of Deputy Chambers' condition. We wish strength and healing to Deputy Chambers and hope for his fellow officers.
— Virginia Beach Police Department (@VBPD) January 11, 2023
The suspect in the shooting, identified as Lamont Lewis, 46, was struck multiple times and later died at the hospital, police said during a 1:15 p.m. press conference.
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Police said the task force pulled over Lamont's vehicle around 11:20 a.m. and attempted to arrest him on a felony warrant. Lamont had been wanted in the Christmas Day murder of Tivona Fogg.
When Lamont got out, he immediately started firing at task force agents and they returned fire, according to Hampton Police Chief Mark Talbot.
“At the time the officers encountered the homicide suspect, he stops his vehicle, gets out of the car and immediately begins firing at the task force officers,” said Talbot.
Lamont and Deputy Chambers were struck during the exchange of gunfire.
It’s unclear how many task force members fired their guns but that will be part of the investigation.
A passenger in Lamont's car was not injured. Detectives are now questioning that person.
“Police work generally is dangerous and unpredictable,” Talbot said. “If your daily existence is about taking the most dangerous people off the streets, it’s even more dangerous than it is. We should all be thankful for the men and woman that are willing to do this. And, we should pray for this brave task force officer.
According to Hampton City Schools, three schools, Forrest Elementary School, Tarrant Middle School and Mary Jackson Elementary School were placed on a modified lockdown.
Those lockdowns have since been lifted.
This is a developing story. We will update this article once we learn more.
All of us at the Norfolk Sheriff's Office are keeping our friends and public safety partners with the @ChesSheriffOff in our thoughts following today's incident in Hampton. We wish a speedy recovery to Deputy Chambers. pic.twitter.com/beF7ADvlPJ
— Norfolk Sheriff's Office (@norfolk_sheriff) January 11, 2023
Stay with News 3 for updates.
