On the afternoon of Thursday, July 11, 2024, the tranquil community of Powhatan County was thrust into a state of heightened alert and urgency. Residents were urgently warned to stay in their homes as law enforcement officials commenced an intensive manhunt for Chazz Lee Gordon, a 36-year-old felon considered armed and dangerous. The Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office issued a shelter-in-place advisory at 3:46 p.m., focusing on the vicinity near 4900 Cartersville Road.
The chain of events leading to this critical situation began when Powhatan County deputies attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop on Gordon. Known to local authorities for his criminal history, Gordon was wanted for multiple serious offenses, including malicious wounding, felony firearm possession, and brandishing a firearm. Despite the deputies’ efforts, Gordon managed to evade capture, sparking a tense pursuit that concluded in the 4900 block of Cartersville Road. Abandoning his vehicle, Gordon fled into the dense woods, brandishing a pistol, thereby escalating the danger level of the situation.
At 4:08 p.m., the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office provided an update, reinforcing the urgency of the situation and the critical need for public cooperation. The search for Gordon was bolstered by the involvement of law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions, including Chesterfield County, reflecting the severity of the threat he posed. Gordon, described as a 6’2″ Black man weighing approximately 175 pounds, was last seen wearing a tank top and grey jeans. His unpredictable and violent history necessitated a robust and swift response from the authorities.
The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office also issued a stark warning to residents in the Rock Castle and West View areas, urging immediate shelter-in-place actions. The proximity of these areas to the search zone in Powhatan heightened the potential risk, and officials emphasized the need for residents to remain vigilant and indoors until the situation was resolved.
The details surrounding Gordon’s escape are both harrowing and indicative of his desperation to avoid capture. His escape began with a routine felony traffic stop that quickly spiraled into a high-stakes chase. As he fled his truck with a pistol in hand, Gordon’s actions underscored his willingness to resort to violence to evade law enforcement. The pursuit ended in the wooded area of Cartersville Road, a location that has now become the focal point of an intense manhunt.
Local law enforcement has urged the public to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity immediately. The Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office has provided a dedicated hotline (804-598-5656) for any information regarding Gordon’s whereabouts. Additionally, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they observe anything unusual or potentially dangerous.
The swift and coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the seriousness of the situation. Units from various jurisdictions are actively searching the area, employing a range of resources and strategies to locate and apprehend Gordon. The safety of the community remains the top priority, and officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to bring this dangerous felon to justice.
As the search continues, the Powhatan and Goochland communities remain on high alert. The presence of an armed and dangerous individual in their midst has understandably caused significant concern and anxiety. Authorities are committed to resolving the situation as quickly and safely as possible, providing regular updates to keep the public informed.
In the meantime, the community’s cooperation is vital. By staying indoors, reporting suspicious activity, and adhering to law enforcement instructions, residents can help ensure their safety and support the efforts to apprehend Gordon. The situation remains fluid, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The incident has also prompted a broader discussion about community safety and the importance of robust communication between law enforcement and residents. The swift dissemination of information and clear instructions from the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies have been crucial in managing the situation and minimizing potential risks.
As the search for Chazz Lee Gordon continues, the community’s resilience and solidarity are being put to the test. The support and cooperation of residents are invaluable in these critical moments. Authorities remain hopeful that their concerted efforts will lead to a swift resolution, bringing an end to the threat posed by this dangerous individual.
In conclusion, the events of July 11, 2024, serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the ever-present need for vigilance and preparedness. The Powhatan County community, alongside their neighbors in Goochland, is navigating a challenging and unsettling situation with courage and determination. As law enforcement officers continue their search, the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are undoubtedly with them, hoping for a safe and successful resolution to this tense and dangerous episode.
