Ronald Blake

Deadly force

Two police snipers shot Ronald Blake when he allegedly aimed a gun at Staunton Police Chief Robert Mertz during an 8-hour standoff. The standoff began at 10:40 p.m. when police responded to a call from a woman who said she was a friend of Blake's and was worried about his mental condition One officer reportedly heard shots coming from inside the door and another officer said he heard a second shot moments later. Police surrounded the house and negotiators unsuccessfully tried to persuade Blake to surrender. Blake eventually walked onto the front porch, where he allegedly raised his gun toward Mertz. Blake was shot, in quick succession, by a sniper on the roof of a nearby hospital and another sniper stationed on the inner perimeter around the house. Blake died at a hospital.