WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. — A 52-year-old man is dead following an officer-involved shooting Tuesday evening as deputies attempted to serve an Emergency Custody Order at a residence on Driftwood Lane.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on February 17, 2026, to take an adult male into custody under a court-issued order. During the encounter, authorities say an altercation occurred between the individual and responding deputies.
Officials reported that the man produced a knife and allegedly threatened deputies. In response, an officer-involved shooting took place. Deputies immediately began rendering medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene.
The man was identified as Christopher Allen Smith. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke is scheduled to conduct an autopsy on Thursday, February 19, to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Authorities confirmed that no deputies were injured during the incident.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and the Washington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Additional details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
