10/14/2026
CLARKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2026
Suspect Taken Into Custody Following Standoff on Russell Road
CLARKE COUNTY, VA – On October 13, 2026, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 500 block of Russell Road for a reported domestic disturbance involving an armed individual.
The Sheriff’s Office received information from a third-party caller who reported that a female victim had contacted them stating she was being physically assaulted by her boyfriend and held against her will. The victim also reported that her boyfriend possessed multiple fi****ms and had threatened to shoot law enforcement officers if they responded to the residence.
Deputies arrived on the scene and immediately established a perimeter around the residence to protect nearby residents and ensure the safety of those involved.
Through the assistance of the third-party caller, who subsequently arrived on the scene, deputies were able to communicate with the victim via text messages. During these communications, the victim advised that the suspect, later identified as Laban Scott Hudson, 47, of 545 Russell Road, was intoxicated and possibly under the influence of illegal substances.
Further investigation revealed that Hudson had multiple outstanding probation violation charges originating from Clarke County and the City of Wi******er. Due to Hudson’s criminal history, which included prior incidents involving assaults on law enforcement and evading arrest, Sheriff Travis M. Sumption requested assistance from the Virginia State Police Tactical Team (SWAT). Deputies also obtained a search warrant for the residence.
Prior to the arrival of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team, Clarke County deputies successfully removed the female victim from the residence and escorted her to safety. The victim was evaluated and treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel for injuries sustained during the incident.
Upon arrival, the Virginia State Police Tactical Team assumed responsibility for the tactical operation and began efforts to secure Hudson's peaceful surrender. As part of the operation, the Virginia State Police requested aerial assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which provided a helicopter to support law enforcement operations.
After repeated attempts to have Hudson voluntarily exit the residence were unsuccessful, the tactical team made entry into the home. During a search of the residence, a drone located Hudson hiding in the attic with what appeared to be a fi***rm.
Negotiations continued communicating with Hudson and were ultimately successful in obtaining his surrender. Hudson was taken into custody without further incident. He was evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and subsequently released into law enforcement custody.
Hudson faces the following charges:
Eight probation violation charges stemming from previous offenses, including:
- Felony child endangerment
- Receiving stolen goods
- Felony manufacturing of a controlled substance
- Two misdemeanor destruction of property offenses
- Felony possession of co***ne
- Felony possession of he**in
- Misdemeanor resisting arrest
New Charges:
Felony use of a fi***rm in the commission of a felony
Felony possession of a fi***rm
Abduction
Assault and battery
Preventing a victim from calling 911
Sheriff Travis M. Sumption acknowledged the significant law enforcement presence and disruption experienced by residents in the surrounding area.
Sheriff Sumption stated:
"We recognize that an incident of this magnitude creates concern and disruption for residents living in the surrounding area. Given the seriousness of the threats made against law enforcement and the potential danger to the public, our priority was to protect the victim, safeguard our community, and bring this situation to a peaceful resolution.
Throughout the incident, the Sheriff's Office utilized the CodeRED Emergency Notification System to keep residents in the affected area informed of the ongoing situation.
I am extremely proud of the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by our deputies and the Virginia State Police Tactical Team. Their coordinated efforts resulted in the safe removal of the victim and the apprehension of an armed suspect without anyone suffering additional injuries.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Clarke County Emergency Communications Center and our emergency medical personnel for their assistance and cooperation throughout this incident. This is an excellent example of agencies working together to protect the citizens we serve."
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents affected by the law enforcement operation.
All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
