Donald Thomas

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A man performing work at a Virginia home was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon, sparking a tense standoff before deputies arrested the suspected gunman, authorities said.

Donald Thomas, 64, has been charged in connection with the murder of Caroline County resident Michael Dodge II, 35, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called before noon to the 600 block of Mountain View Road before noon on Tuesday, Oct. 21, where there were reports of gunfire in the area.

A caller told dispatchers they had been on the phone with a co-worker who was at the location when they suddenly heard gunshots — then silence.

Within minutes, deputies responded, and found Dodge lying unresponsive in the driveway, according to the sheriff's office. 

Unsure where the shooter was, deputies set up a perimeter and soon saw movement inside the home, investigators said. After a brief standoff, they were able to safely detain a suspect without further incident.

Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives said that Thomas was staying at the home and shot Dodge multiple times. He was charged with first-degree murder and unlawfully shooting or wounding in the commission of a felony.

Thomas is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The incident remains under investigation.