WASHINGTON — A man accused of shooting at law enforcement in Fauquier County, Virginia, Monday is wounded and in an area hospital after an hourslong standoff.
Joshua Simpson, 34, is accused of firing a shotgun at officials after tear gas was fired into his home on Alexandria Pike in Old Town Warrenton.
Police went to Simpson’s house Monday afternoon because of an emergency custody order for a mental health evaluation. Simpson went back into his house and police say they tried to negotiate with him.
Officials say in the course of the negotiations, they learned that Simpson had lied on an application for a shotgun purchased in Prince William County, leading to a charge of making false statements. Other charges are pending, officials say.
An exchange of gunfire and tear gas caused Simpson to be wounded. Details about his injuries have not yet been released.
People in the neighborhood received robo calls notifying them of the threat and advised them to stay indoors.
Alexandria Pike will remain closed between King and Winchester streets for an undetermined amount of time. Earlier, more roads were closed.
A joint news release from Warrenton police and the Fauquier County Sheriff said the closures were due to public safety concerns.
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