Bristol, Va. Shooting: Two Dead, Suspect in Custody After Gunfire at Extended Stay Hotel
BRISTOL, Va. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at the Extended Stay America Suites on Salem Drive that left two people dead and prompted a major law-enforcement response.
Police said officers were dispatched to the hotel after receiving a report of a man with a gun. When officers arrived, they discovered two people deceased inside the property, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly escalated when officers were in the hotel parking lot and shots were fired from a ground-floor room in the direction of police. An officer returned fire, according to authorities. It was not immediately clear whether anyone was struck during the exchange of gunfire.
A tactical response was subsequently launched, involving officers from multiple law-enforcement agencies. Authorities worked to secure the hotel and surrounding area while attempting to safely take the suspect into custody.
After the tactical operation, 47-year-old Antoine A. Megginson was taken into custody at approximately 9:04 a.m.
Megginson has been charged with felony attempted murder of a law-enforcement officer. Police said additional charges are expected as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the subsequent exchange of gunfire with officers.
The identities of the two people who died have not been released in the information currently available. Investigators are expected to conduct interviews, process evidence and review other information from the hotel as they work to establish what led to the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released a detailed motive or explained the relationship, if any, between Megginson and the deceased victims.
The incident resulted in a significant police presence at the Extended Stay property as investigators processed the scene. Officials are continuing to determine the precise sequence of events, including what occurred before officers arrived and what prompted the gunfire directed toward police.
The case remains active, and authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses.
Megginson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
