E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School on lockdown Wednesday afternoon as Front Royal Police pursue wanted subject

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Front Royal Police Officer attempted to arrest a wanted subject in the area of 120 N. Commerce Avenue, Front Royal at approximately 12:45 pm. The wanted subject ran away from the officer and a short foot pursuit ensued. The wanted subject, Joseph Heath, 32, jumped over the wooden fence behind the Valley Health Multispecialty Clinic towards Chester Street. The officer jumped the fence after Heath and injured his right leg when landing.

Joseph Heath. Photo / RSW Regional Jail

Responding officers converged in the area, set up a perimeter and converged on Heath who had barricaded himself in a shed on the north side of the Love Revival Ministry Center located at 119 Chester Street. Heath had armed himself with a large knife and was causing injuries to himself. A Crisis Negotiator arrived on scene and started speaking with Heath to find a resolution to the incident. After 15-20 minutes, Heath walked out to the crisis negotiator and into the medical care of responding Warren County Fire and Rescue EMS personnel.

During the onset of this incident, E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School was notified to take all students inside the school and to go into lockdown. Joseph Heath was airlifted to Winchester Medical Center with multiple stab wounds to his abdomen. Front Royal Police Officer was transported by ambulance to Winchester Medical Center for injuries to his right leg.