WISE, Va. — A jury has found a Wise County man guilty of attempting to kill Norton’s police chief.
James Dyer Buckland, 38, of Pound, was convicted of attempted murder, aggravated malicious wounding, using a gun to attempt to murder a police officer, using a gun to attempt to commit aggravated malicious wounding, and assault of police officer.
“Today was a step in the direction of closure for our community and two of our most beloved law enforcement officers in Wise County and the City of Norton,” Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brett Hall said, after the verdict. “The cowardly act committed by Mr. Buckland is one that will never be tolerated. We’re thankful that both Chief Lane and Sheriff McConnell were able to testify in this trial. I would also like to specifically thank my Chief Deputy Steven Davis and Special Counsel Suzanne Kerney-Quillen for our prosecution team effort both in trial preparation and throughout the duration of this jury trial.”
The charges stem from an incident on May 7, 2021, when Norton Police Chief James Lane was responding to a report of a shoplifter at Walmart. Lane spotted Buckland in the parking lot and tried to speak to him, but Buckland opened fire on the officer.
Lane was shot five times in the incident, but he ultimately recovered and returned to work.
Norton Police Sgt. Jason McConnell, who now serves as Norton sheriff, ultimately arrested Buckland.
Lane and McConnell released a short statement following the trial, saying, “We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support from the community over the past two and a half years.”
Buckland will be sentenced Jan. 9, when he faces two life sentences, plus 11 years.
