James Elvin Wood

Deadly force

Pittsylvania County deputies responded to a domestic dispute at the Chalk Level Road home where Wood lived. Wood had fled, but officers found a woman who had been cut on the finger, police said. Officers obtained a malicious wounding warrant. A Pittsylvania deputy and a Chatham police officer found Wood at another family member's home. Armed with a knife, Wood confronted the officers, cutting the police officer on the hand. Wood attempted to stab the officer again, and he shot and killed Wood.