DANVILLE, Va. — A Danville City Councilman was critically injured and airlifted to a regional medical facility Wednesday morning after being set on fire in what authorities believe was a targeted and personal attack.
According to the Danville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 11:30 a.m. to the 700 block of Main Street following a report of a man who had been intentionally set on fire. Emergency personnel from the Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew also responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders located the victim and arranged for his immediate air transport to a nearby trauma center. The full extent of his injuries has not been released.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect entered the victim’s workplace, confronted him, and poured a flammable liquid on him. The two exited the building, at which point the suspect ignited the liquid, setting the victim on fire.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle; however, witnesses were able to provide a detailed description of both the suspect and the vehicle. A short time later, officers located and stopped the vehicle several blocks away and took the driver into custody without incident.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Hayes, has been formally charged and remains in police custody.
Authorities have confirmed that the victim is Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler. Investigators believe the incident was driven by a personal dispute between Vogler and Hayes and was not related to Vogler’s official duties as a council member.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details will be released as they become available.
