The Virginia State Police charged 22-year-old Danville officer Jayquan Morton after investigators say a silver SUV fired multiple rounds into a sedan carrying two people on Sept. 20. The sedan was struck but neither occupant was injured. Morton faces several felony counts and was arrested without incident in Danville; he has been placed on leave without pay while an external criminal investigation continues. Authorities ask anyone with information to call the Virginia State Police BCI at 800-542-5959.
Off-Duty Danville Officer Charged After SUV Fires Into Moving Sedan; No Injuries Reported
Image Credit: Danville Police Department Facebook
Danville law enforcement officials say an off-duty police officer has been charged after gunfire was allegedly fired from one vehicle into another on Sept. 20. According to investigators, a silver SUV accelerated behind a southbound sedan on South Main Street near the Route 29 Expressway and occupants of the sedan reported multiple rounds struck their car.
The Danville Police Department identified the suspect as 22-year-old Officer Jayquan Morton and says evidence from the initial investigation prompted Chief Chris Wiles to request an external probe. The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assumed control of the criminal inquiry and subsequently brought multiple felony charges against Morton.
What Authorities Say
Danville police report that the sedan was carrying a male and a female. The vehicle sustained damage from bullets, but neither occupant was struck. Police also said Morton and one of the victims were acquainted; they have not disclosed the nature of that relationship or any suspected motive.
Charges and Arrest
According to a video posted by the Danville Police Department and statements from Virginia State Police, Morton was charged with:
- Two counts of attempted malicious wounding
- Shooting into an occupied vehicle
- Using a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle
- Reckless handling of a firearm
- Discharging a firearm within city limits
After a multi-jurisdictional effort to locate him, Morton was stopped by a Pittsylvania County Sheriff's deputy and a Virginia State Police trooper in Danville and arrested without incident at about 9:52 a.m.
Administrative Status and Ongoing Investigation
Danville police said Morton, who had been with the department for two years, will be placed on leave without pay while administrative procedures proceed under Virginia's Law‑Enforcement Officers Procedural Guarantee Act. The department emphasized that administrative actions are separate from the criminal case handled by the Virginia State Police and that the charges remain allegations until proven in court.
The Danville Police Department has declined to release further details while the Virginia State Police investigation remains active. Public jail roster searches at the time of reporting did not independently confirm booking details, bond, or custody status.
Tip Line: Anyone with information is asked to contact the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 800-542-5959.
Note: This account reflects information released by law-enforcement agencies; it does not constitute a finding of guilt.
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