Man Arrested After Saturday Night Shooting in Front Royal

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at around 9:07 p.m., officers from the Front Royal Police Department were called to Warren Memorial Hospital after reports of a male gunshot victim. The victim, 42-year-old Robert Thomas Henry, also from Front Royal, VA, informed police that he had been shot in the back while in the rear parking lot of the Motel 6 at 141 West 15th Street. Fortunately, Henry’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was transferred to Winchester Medical Center for further treatment.

Following initial investigations, detectives identified 18-year-old Lance Scott Dodson as a suspect in the shooting. The search for Dodson began early the next morning when a Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted him. Dodson attempted to flee on foot, prompting the establishment of a perimeter with help from multiple law enforcement agencies, including Virginia State Police, Winchester Police, and the sheriff’s offices of Frederick and Fauquier counties. Despite these efforts, Dodson evaded capture, and the search was called off at approximately 10 a.m.

Later on Sunday, Dodson was found during a traffic stop on North Shenandoah Avenue. Officers were able to take him into custody without further incident. Dodson was transported to the Front Royal Police Department for questioning before being taken to RSW Regional Jail. He faces a charge of Aggravated Malicious Wounding under Virginia Code 18.2-51.2 and is currently being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with more information about the case to contact Detective Z.S. Wallace at 540-636-2208 or via email at zwallace@frontroyalva.com.