Lunenburg officer accused of shooting woman in front of child facing new charges

LUNENBURG COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Nearly two months after his initial arrest, a Lunenburg County police officer accused of shooting a woman during a domestic incident is facing new charges, including felony child abuse.

Just before 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenbridge Police Department and Virginia State Police were called to Kenbridge Station 7 after a woman arrived there with a gunshot wound.

Investigators learned that someone had shot into the woman's vehicle multiple times during a domestic incident near a Lunenburg home. The woman then drove herself to the station to try and get help. From there, she was taken to an area hospital via helicopter for treatment.

8News has since learned that there was a child present during the shooting, per a state police spokesperson. No further details on the child could be shared at this time.

A day later, on Monday, Feb. 9, 44-year-old Charles A. Stokes -- a Kenbridge police officer -- was arrested in connection with this shooting. His arrest came after state police launched a manhunt for him.

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Initially, Stokes was charged with aggravated malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

As of Tuesday, April 7, Stokes now faces four total charges: shooting from a vehicle, shooting or stabbing during the commission of a felony, maliciously shooting at a vehicle and child abuse with reckless disregard for human life.

No additional information on this incident is available as of the time of reporting.

At this time, Stokes is being held at Meherrin River Regional Jail without bond.