LOUISA, Va., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Police in Virginia Sunday shot and killed a man they say turned a gun on officers after killing two men and wounding four other people during a family dispute.
The shooting broke out about 5 p.m. in a rural mobile home residence in Louisa County. Police had been called to the home earlier in the day for what was labeled a minor incident that was resolved at the time.
"It appears that this is all a family-related matter," Sgt. Thomas Molnar, a state police spokesman, said.
Sources familiar with the family members and the deadly shooting incident told the Richmond Times-Dispatch the gunman was Charles "Zeke" Sponaugle Sr., who was in his mid-50s. Police had not provided the names of the shooter or the victims.
Maj. Donnie Lowe of the Louisa County Sheriff's Office told the newspaper a feud over property and personal possessions led to the shooting.
Lowe said the man shot at police who arrived at the scene and let loose his pit bull. Officers returned fire, killing the man and the dog. No officers were hurt, Lowe said.
The wounded victims were taken to a hospital in Charlottesville where one was reported to have life-threatening injuries.
