HILLSVILLE, Va. (AP) – A tragic incident unfolded in Virginia on Friday when a sheriff's deputy was killed in a shooting during a welfare check. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported that the deadly encounter occurred after law enforcement had received a request from a family member for a welfare check on an individual at a residence.

Upon arriving at the home, deputies were met with gunfire from a male suspect inside. In the ensuing exchange, both responding deputies were struck by bullets. The sheriff's office later confirmed that one deputy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second deputy, who was hit in his ballistic vest, was evaluated medically and is reported to be in stable condition.

The search for the suspect is actively ongoing, and law enforcement officials have warned that he should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. As of the latest updates, the identity of the deceased officer has not been released to the public.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences and support on social media, stating, "My office is closely monitoring this tragic incident. I encourage anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police. My thoughts are with the deputy's family and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as we work through this awful situation."

This incident highlights the significant risks law enforcement officers face while performing their duties, especially during routine welfare checks that can unexpectedly escalate into life-threatening situations. The Carroll County community is in mourning as they process the loss of their deputy and provide support to fellow law enforcement members.