Augusta County, Virginia — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has released body-worn camera footage connected to a December 2025 officer-involved shooting that left a deputy severely wounded and a wanted suspect dead.
The incident happened on the night of December 17, 2025, as deputies with the sheriff’s office attempted to take 42-year-old Dustin Ross Griffin of Staunton into custody on Parkersburg Turnpike. Prosecutors said Griffin was wanted in connection with repeat-offense drug dealing, and the deputies involved were part of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit.
According to Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin, deputies arrived at Griffin’s location, and one deputy whom Griffin knew activated emergency lights, which prosecutors say prompted Griffin to run. Two deputies caught up to Griffin, and a physical struggle began on the ground.
During that struggle, prosecutors said Griffin reached into his clothing, produced a firearm, and fired at one of the deputies, striking him in the arm and severely wounding him. A third deputy, standing nearby, fired at Griffin while the gun was still in Griffin’s hand, stopping him from shooting again. The deputy engaged in the struggle, then drew his own firearm and fired one round, with the entire exchange unfolding in seconds.
Virginia State Police previously reported the injured deputy was airlifted to UVA Medical Center for treatment. Griffin was given life-saving measures at the scene but was pronounced dead.
Prosecutors have announced the involved deputies would not face criminal charges.
Field Lessons are offered strictly as general, industry-standard reminders drawn from common safety practices and typical policy considerations. They are not based on any inside knowledge of this specific incident, do not presume what actions were taken, and should not be interpreted as commentary on the decisions made at the scene.
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Treat hands as the primary threat indicator during warrant service and arrests, especially when the suspect is moving, turning, or blading.
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Anticipate “fight on the ground” moments as high-risk for weapon access, and maintain awareness of waistbands, pockets, and hand position.
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Maintain spacing and angles whenever possible so one officer can engage while others avoid being entangled in the struggle.
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If a struggle becomes unavoidable, prioritize controlling the suspect’s hands and limiting access to weapons.
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Train to recognize firearm presentation cues quickly and respond decisively to stop the threat when deadly force is clearly justified.
Dr. Travis Yates has pioneered a behavioral risk framework to help officers and leaders identify, assess, and articulate risk in rapidly evolving, uncertain situations. Find out more about the FOCUS Behavioral Risk Framework.
