State Police Investigating Fugitive's Death

      A fugitive from Lynchburg being pursued by local law enforcement in Rockbridge  County shot himself Saturday, according to a statement this afternoon from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.

The Virginia State Police has been called in to investigate the suspect’s death.

According to the RCSO statement, at approximately 4:45 p.m. Saturday, an off-duty Rockbridge County deputy observed a wanted fugitive leaving the Lexington Tractor Supply store.

The deputy notified the Rockbridge  Regional  Public  Safety  Communications  Center and a Be-on-the-Lookout (BOLO) was broadcasted to area law enforcement.

An officer from the Lexington Police Department located the fugitive around the U.S. 11 and Furrs Mill intersection and attempted to stop him. The fugitive fled down Furrs Mill Road and refused to stop. Rockbridge County deputies joined the pursuit shortly before the vehicle came to a stop at the end of Hollow Rock Road.

The fugitive, identified as Jaxon Jolley, then fled on foot into a briary wooded area. Deputies continued to pursue Jolley on foot. During the foot pursuit, Jolley reached into a black bag and produced a weapon. He then used the weapon on himself.

Jolley, a 49-year-old male from Lynchburg, was wanted for domestic assault and battery and strangulation by the Lynchburg Police Department.

The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Virginia State Police to conduct an investigation of the incident.