LYNCHBURG, Va (WFXR) — Virginia State Police are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened in Lynchburg on Thursday night. This is the fifth officer-involved shooting with injury to happen in our area in less than two months.

The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) says deputies responded to the 700 block of Grady Street for reports of gunfire. The suspect, 25-year-old Ryheam Damon Brown attempted to escape police first in a car, then on foot. The chase ended in an alley on the 1400 block of 17th street– where police say Brown pulled out a gun, and the officer fired at him, striking him.

Brown was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Criminologist and former police officer Dr. Tod Burke tells WFXR there are so many factors that play into that decision of whether an officer should fire their weapon, saying it should always be a last resort.

“All of that decision-making, is usually done in a split second,” said Dr. Burke.

He says officers have to keep several factors in mind such as potential bystanders, the environment, and the safety of other officers.

“When is it legal, when is it justifiable to use deadly force, and just because an officer can fire their weapon, doesn’t mean they should,” said Dr. Burke.

Dr. Burke adds that officers do go through continuous training for these circumstances — but adds that there may need to be some changes made– including additional situational training.

“There are so many factors that are involved, and that’s why not only policy needs to be examined and re-examined, but also that should be part of the training process,” said Dr. Burke.

After an officer-involved shooting– the officer will be investigated by an outside agency before being allowed back on active duty.

Jerome Johnson is a Lynchburg resident who tells WFXR he heard the incident happen– but wasn’t sure what to think at first.

“I heard like a shot, I assumed that it was these people up here shooting off fireworks,” said Johnson.

Johnson says although it is heartbreaking to hear, he says he is not entirely surprised.

“It bothers me, you know it really bothers me because it happens so often,” said Johnson.

He says he hopes the community and law enforcement can work together to prevent future tragedy.

“I think there needs to be more communication between the community and the police,” said Johnson.