Suspect Accused of Setting Flock Cameras on Fire and Shooting at Police in Luray
LURAY, Va. — A New York man is being held without bond after authorities say he vandalized multiple license plate reader cameras before opening fire on a Page County sheriff’s deputy during a pursuit.
According to a Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) media release, the Page County Emergency Communications Center received a call at about 10:15 p.m. on August16, 2026.
Reportedly, a Flock Safety camera was on fire near the Page Co-Op. Luray police officers and PCSO deputies responded and found the camera had been vandalized and set on fire.
About 12 minutes later, authorities received another report of a Flock camera on fire near U.S. 340 and Mechanic Street. Responding officers found that camera had also been vandalized.
As deputies and police searched the area, they discovered another vandalized camera near the intersection of Mechanic Street and Bixler’s Ferry Road.
A deputy stationed near 211 E. Business U.S. 211 and Dry Run Road later saw a person allegedly vandalizing a Flock camera near that intersection, according to the release.
The deputy attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle, but the driver failed to stop, leading authorities toward the Kimball and Rocky Branch area.
While on Lyn-Mar Road, the suspect vehicle stopped and a man exited the driver’s side armed with a rifle, authorities said.
The suspect allegedly opened fire on the pursuing deputy, firing multiple rounds into the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
The deputy took cover and returned fire, striking the suspect’s vehicle multiple times, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect then got back into the vehicle and fled. The deputy was not injured.
Additional PCSO deputies and Luray police officers continued pursuing the vehicle east into the Rocky Branch area, where authorities said the suspect continued firing at pursuing officers.
Officers lost sight of the vehicle near Rocky Branch and Shenk Hollow roads.
At about 11:03 p.m., the suspect called 911 and told a communications officer he wanted to surrender peacefully..
Authorities located the suspect on Batman Hill Road.
The Warren County Tactical Team responded with its BearCat armored vehicle and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Alexander Michael Morgan, 31, of Lodi, New York.
Morgan was charged by the PCSO Criminal Investigations Division with attempted aggravated murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and damaging or trespassing on public services, utilities or critical infrastructure.
During this incident, the PCSO and Luray Police Department were assisted by the Stanley Police Department, Shenandoah Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police, Division II Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Page County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Anyone witnessing the destruction of the Flock cameras or witnessing shots fired during the pursuit is encouraged to contact Sergeant Corey Seal, Page County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, at (540) 743-7810.
Morgan is being held without bond.