Ransom was a mentally ill veteran who called the VA to report he was suicidal. The VA called police requesting a welfare check. In the meantime, Ransom also called 911. When a police officer arrived, Ransom was standing in the front yard with an assault rifle. He refused to put the weapon down so the police officer open fired, killing him. Local police were very familiar with Ransom. Incident is being investigated by State Bureau of Investigation.
Victim's Name: James Ransom
Agency Responsible: Surry County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 55
Race: Unknown race
Date of Death: April 23, 2014
County: Surry
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Rural