Danville officer who killed man during weekend standoff incident identified

Officer Nelson has more than 12 years combined experience in law enforcement

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DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Police Department has released the name of the officer involved in a deadly shooting during the weekend.

Officer Justin P. Nelson was involved in the shooting that happened in the 1000 block of Halifax Road.

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Nelson has more than 12 years combined experience in law enforcement with both the Danville Police Department and the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

Nelson was recently re-hired by the Danville Police Department and was sworn in on Dec. 28, 2017.

Police say that while officers attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender on Sunday, a man came out of the house shooting at the officers.

Nelson returned fire and 54-year-old Richard R. Towler, of Danville, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Virginia State Police are handling the officer-involved shooting investigation.