OFFICER SHOOTS INMATE DURING ESCAPE ATTEMPT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 23, 1993                   TAG: 9301230087
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium
OFFICER SHOOTS INMATE DURING ESCAPE ATTEMPT
A Floyd County correctional officer shot an inmate he was guarding at Radford Community Hospital early Friday morning after the man apparently tried to escape, authorities said Friday.
Roger Lee Dodson, 41, was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital after the shooting. Roanoke Memorial's evening administrator, who would not give his name, refused Friday night to confirm that Dodson was a patient or to provide any information.
Dodson was at the Radford hospital after complaining of medical problems while being kept at the Floyd County Jail. State police had arrested him Wednesday at a Roanoke motel.
Dodson was considered a fugitive, wanted since 1989 in Floyd County on charges of sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and grand larceny.
Officer Steve Tolbert is off duty until an investigation by state police is complete, said Gino Williams, Floyd County's commonwealth's attorney. It is not considered a suspension.
He said preliminary reports indicated that no excessive force was used by the officer.
Williams was unsure how long Tolbert has worked with the sheriff's office.
Dodson, also known as Roger Lee Barnette, is formerly of Floyd County but now gives a Pembroke address, authorities said.
The shooting took place at about 1:45 a.m. Dodson had been admitted to the hospital after complaining Thursday morning of medical problems and a local doctor recommended he be taken to the emergency room, Williams said.
He was being kept in a secured room at the hospital with Tolbert as his guard, the release stated.
The news release gives this account of the shooting:
Dodson asked for assistance from Tolbert and the officer opened the door to Dodson's room. The inmate made a lunge at the door and Tolbert tried to relock it.
Dodson continued to try to open the door and leave the room. The officer retreated, drew his weapon and repeatedly ordered the inmate to stop. Dodson continued to "come at Officer Tolbert."
The officer's weapon fired, striking a wall.
"Dodson received a final warning from Officer Tolbert. Dodson did not stop and Officer Tolbert fired one round," according to the release, hitting Dodson in the left shoulder and chest area.
Emergency-medical aid was immediately given and Dodson was later taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital "because of extensive chest injuries from the shooting" that did not appear to be life-threatening, according to the release.
The shooting is being investigated by the Radford City Police Department and the state police.
Randal Duncan, Radford's commonwealth's attorney, said he would meet with investigators next week to decide whether any charges should be brought.
Possible charges for Dodson are attempting to escape and assaulting a police officer, Duncan said.
Williams said the officer had some bruises from the struggle at the hospital room door.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB