Executive Summary
- The incident began when U.S. Marshals attempted to stop Markieth O. Bryson, Jr. in Roanoke.
- Authorities report Bryson rammed police vehicles and fled to a home on Harrison Avenue.
- After a standoff, the VSP Tactical Team entered the home, where Bryson allegedly produced a weapon and was shot.
- No law enforcement officers were injured during the operation.
- The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the use of force.
A 28-year-old Roanoke man was fatally shot by Virginia State Police on Monday following a vehicle pursuit and an hours-long standoff, according to state authorities. The incident began when the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force attempted to apprehend the suspect, identified as Markieth O. Bryson, Jr., in the Roanoke area.
Virginia State Police (VSP) reported that the initial encounter occurred around 3:45 p.m. near the intersection of Hershberger Road and Peters Creek Road. Authorities stated that when task force members attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Bryson allegedly rammed several police vehicles and fled the scene.
Law enforcement officers subsequently located Bryson at a residence in the 700 block of Harrison Avenue. According to official reports, police established a perimeter and attempted to negotiate with Bryson to exit the home voluntarily. The standoff continued for several hours without the suspect surrendering.
Ultimately, the Virginia State Police Tactical Team made entry into the residence. VSP officials stated that upon entry, Bryson produced a weapon. In response, tactical officers fired their weapons, striking the suspect. Bryson was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the operation.
Investigative Outlook
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Field Office, has assumed primary responsibility for investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In alignment with standard law enforcement protocol for officer-involved shootings, the troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry. While the death of the suspect precludes criminal prosecution, it is a standing legal principle that all individuals named in criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
