Man arrested after Lynchburg chase that led to officer firing shot

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - A Lynchburg man has been arrested after a foot chase during which an officer fired a weapon.

Tr’rail Perkins, 38, was charged with distribution of schedule I/II, possession of a firearm while possessing schedule I/II, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

The morning of July 1, 2026, a team of Lynchburg Police officers, in the 2400 block of 12th Street, tried to conduct a traffic stop on a moped. Police say the driver, Perkins, failed to stop, got off the moped and ran off.

Police chased him, and one officer fired a single shot from a department-issued handgun, according to LPD. No one was injured and Perkins was taken into custody without further incident.

Perkins was transported to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail, where is he is being held without bond.

Virginia State Police were called to assist in the investigation. The involved officer has been placed on restricted duty and LPD will conduct an internal review.