Authorities in Tazewell County, Virginia, say an armed bystander shot a knife-wielding man in the chest after the man attacked him during an alleged carjacking attempt targeting a woman and child outside a Falls Mills convenience store.
What authorities say happened
The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported in 2024 that deputies identified the man as 30-year-old Cody Dailey of Bluefield, West Virginia. Citing authorities, the outlet reported Dailey accosted a woman and her child and told the child of his intentions to commit a “heinous” act. A bystander with a 9 mm pistol gave commands, according to the report; authorities say Dailey, armed with a knife and wanted on two outstanding felony warrants, attacked the intervenor and knocked him to the ground. The bystander then shot Dailey in the chest, ending the confrontation.
Deputies treated the wound; suspect airlifted and charged
Tazewell County Sheriff Brian Hieatt told the local outlet that deputies — including at least one who was off duty — provided medical aid until help arrived. Dailey was airlifted to a hospital, where he was in stable condition, Hieatt said. According to the report, Dailey was charged with abduction, carjacking, assault and battery, and other offenses.
Sheriff’s praise for bystanders
“Thank goodness for the good Samaritans that came to the victim’s aid during her time of need,” Sheriff Hieatt told the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. “We are grateful for their desire to intercede on her behalf, had they not acted this could have been a very different outcome.”
Earlier knife threat and rapid response
Authorities also alleged Dailey had threatened another person with a knife shortly before the attempted carjacking. Deputies responding to that earlier call heard a gunshot and raced roughly a quarter mile to the scene, according to the report.
