Stafford County deputies shot during standoff

Sarah Beth Hensley, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Two sheriff’s deputies and a Spotsylvania County man were shot during an hours-long standoff that began Saturday afternoon.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 10300 block of Gordon Road at about noon Saturday to serve an emergency commitment order for 61-year-old Michael Antosh, but when they arrived, Antosh barricaded himself in the residence and threatened officials with a gun.

The county’s Crisis Negotiation Team negotiated with Antosh for several hours, but he would not leave the residence. During the negotiations, Antosh threatened officials, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

At about 2:30 a.m., Antosh fired at deputies and officials fired back. Two deputies from Stafford County sustained injuries as well as Antosh.

Emergency crews transported the Stafford County deputies — whose names had not yet been released — to Mary Washington Hospital and they were listed in stable condition. An ambulance also transported Antosh to Mary Washington Hospital to receive surgery for gunshot wounds. Antosh was listed in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff Roger Harris commended the responding officials for their bravery.

“You hope something like this never happens, but you always prepare for when it does,” Harris said in a news release. “The bravery and professionalism shown by the deputies from our two agencies is a testament to the professionalism and the high degree of dedication of these young men and women in helping to keep our communities safe.”

Felony charges against Mr. Antosh may be pending.

Detectives from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the shooting.

View a map of the location of the shooting below:


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