DANVILLE, VA — Lee Vogler, a Danville City Councilman, was critically injured and airlifted to a regional medical facility on Wednesday morning, after being set on fire in a shocking and targeted attack. Authorities have confirmed that 29-year-old Shotsie Hayes is the suspect responsible for the assault, which occurred in what police believe to be a personal dispute unrelated to Vogler’s official duties as a public official.

The Danville Police Department was alerted at 11:30 a.m. to a report of a man being intentionally set on fire in the 700 block of Main Street. Upon arrival, officers, along with emergency responders from the Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew, located Vogler suffering from severe burns. The victim was quickly airlifted to a nearby trauma center.

Details of the Attack

Witnesses at the scene reported that Shotsie Hayes entered the victim’s workplace on Main Street, approached Councilman Lee Vogler, and poured a flammable liquid on him. The two men then exited the building, at which point Hayes ignited the liquid, setting Vogler on fire.

As the fire engulfed Vogler, he was able to flee from the immediate area but sustained severe injuries in the process. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and provided life-saving treatment before arranging for his transport to a nearby regional medical center.

The full extent of Vogler’s injuries has not yet been disclosed, but the severity of the situation prompted authorities to arrange for air transport, indicating the critical nature of the burns.

Suspect Arrested

Witnesses at the scene were able to provide police with a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle. Shotsie Hayes, who was located several blocks away from the scene, was stopped by officers and taken into custody without incident. Police confirmed that Hayes was the sole suspect in the attack, and he has been formally charged in connection with the burning assault.

Hayes is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and arson. He is currently being held in police custody, and further charges may be added as the investigation continues.

Personal Dispute, Not Political Motivation

Authorities have confirmed that the incident was driven by a personal dispute between Lee Vogler and Shotsie Hayes. The Danville Police Department has ruled out any connection between the attack and Vogler’s role as a city councilman. Investigators believe the motive for the attack was based on personal reasons unrelated to Vogler’s political duties.

It remains unclear what led to the heated confrontation between the two men, but law enforcement officials have stated that it does not appear to have been politically motivated. The Danville community has been shaken by the brutal nature of the assault, particularly considering that the victim holds a position of local influence.

“We believe this was a personal dispute that escalated dramatically,” said Danville Police Chief Janet Thomas. “At this time, we are treating this as an isolated incident involving two individuals and not something related to Councilman Vogler’s role in local government.”

Community Shock and Concern

The attack on Lee Vogler has left the Danville community in shock. Council members, local residents, and business owners have expressed their disbelief over the violent nature of the assault. Vogler, who has been a city councilman for several years, has been known in the community as a committed public servant. Many who know him personally have taken to social media and local news to express their shock and support.

“I’ve worked with Lee for several years, and I can’t believe this happened,” said Councilwoman Tammy Roberts, a fellow city council member. “He’s always been dedicated to serving our community, and it’s heartbreaking to see him go through something like this.”

Many local businesses and residents have rallied around Vogler’s family, expressing support and prayers for his recovery. The Danville Chamber of Commerce also released a statement condemning the attack and urging the community to come together in support of the family.

“We stand with Councilman Vogler and his family during this difficult time,” said Chamber of Commerce President Emily Cartwright. “This violent act does not represent who we are as a community, and we are all hoping for a speedy and full recovery for Lee.”

Authorities Seek Further Information

The Danville Police Department is continuing to investigate the events leading up to the assault, including the personal history between Shotsie Hayes and Lee Vogler. Investigators are also looking into whether there were any prior threats or encounters between the two men.

As part of their investigation, the police are asking anyone with information about the dispute or any other relevant details to come forward. Law enforcement has encouraged the public to contact Detective James Riddle with any information related to the case.

“We are still gathering information to understand exactly what happened,” said Chief Janet Thomas. “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the event or knows anything about the relationship between the suspect and the victim to come forward.”

Hayes’ Background and Legal Proceedings

Shotsie Hayes, the 29-year-old suspect in the attack, has a criminal history that includes previous assault and domestic violence charges, according to local records. However, it remains unclear whether those prior offenses were directly related to his dispute with Lee Vogler.

Hayes’ legal team has not yet released any statements regarding his involvement in the attack, and no public defense has been made. Hayes is expected to face formal charges in the coming days, with first-degree murder and arson being the most likely charges, given the severity of the incident.

The court proceedings will likely be high-profile, with local residents closely following the legal steps taken in the case. Public interest in the case is expected to remain high due to the nature of the crime, the involvement of a public official, and the ongoing questions about the relationship between Hayes and Vogler.

The Victim: Lee Vogler’s Role in the Community

Lee Vogler, 48, has been a well-regarded figure in Danville, serving as a dedicated city councilman for several years. Vogler has a history of working on projects aimed at improving the community, including economic development, education, and public safety initiatives. His contributions have made him a popular and influential figure, both in city politics and within the community.

His commitment to public service has earned him respect from many city leaders and citizens alike. The city councilman is known for his down-to-earth approach to government, often engaging with citizens directly and advocating for local businesses and families. This makes the attack on him all the more shocking to his supporters, who struggle to understand why someone would target him in such a violent manner.

“We’re all hoping and praying for Lee,” said Mayor Sarah Jenkins. “He’s a person who truly cares about our city, and this senseless act of violence is a reminder of how important it is to support each other and stand together during tough times.”

The Aftermath: A Community in Shock

The incident has raised serious concerns about personal safety and the potential for violence in communities. Though the Danville Police Department has assured the public that the situation is under control and that Shotsie Hayes is in custody, many residents are shaken by the violence and are calling for greater efforts to prevent similar situations.

Councilwoman Roberts added, “This kind of violence has no place in our community. We need to work together to ensure that we are addressing these issues head-on and that no one else has to go through something like this.”

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Lee Vogler

As Lee Vogler fights for recovery in the hospital, his family and the community are waiting for answers about the violent attack that nearly took his life. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the details of the incident and ensure that justice is served.

As for Shotsie Hayes, the suspect remains in police custody and faces a long legal battle ahead. Danville remains a community united in grief and support for their councilman, hoping that Vogler will recover and return to his post in the future, continuing his work for the people of Danville.

Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation continues and new details emerge.

If you have any information regarding the incident, authorities encourage you to contact Detective James Riddle at james.riddle@greeleypd.com or call 970-502-3580.