Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Cameron Neil Justus
Buchanan County Virginia Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 10 years

Deputy Sheriff William Ezra Stiltner
Buchanan County Virginia Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 7 years


Deputy Sheriff Cameron Justus and Deputy Sheriff William Stiltner were shot and killed after responding to assist other deputies who had been fired at by a sniper at the scene of a larceny in progress call.

Two deputies from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a larceny in progress at a car service business in Vansant. They arrived they began to search for the larceny suspect when they were shot at from a distance by a suspect with a rifle. Both deputies were able to radio for assistance and crawl to a nearby home to take cover from the sniper.

Deputy Stiltner and Deputy Justus, along with members of the Virginia State Police responded to assist. As a perimeter was established to contain and search for the shooter, Deputy Justus and William Stiltner were shot and killed by a high-powered rifle.

The suspect fled from a nearby ridge where he had fired into the woods. He was located standing in front of a nearby house talking on a mobile phone. The suspect was shot and killed after he refused orders to get on the ground and then drew a handgun on officers.

Deputy Justus had served with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. Deputy Stiltner had served with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office for seven years.

Rest in Peace Gentlemen…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.