FISHERSVILLE, Va – (WSVA) A Fishersville man is in custody following an incident with a gun earlier this week.

Augusta County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Leslie Snyder reports that deputies were dispatched shortly four o’clock Tuesday afternoon to the 100 block of Emerald Heights Drive.

The caller, called to report that her husband was outside the home, near a fire ring, armed with a handgun, intoxicated and upset. As deputies responded to the residence, the caller advised that her husband was firing shots. She was instructed by dispatchers to exit the residence, and she sheltered on the second floor of the home. The male communicated that he looked forward to a confrontation with the police.

Deputies arrived at the residence, established a perimeter, began contacting nearby
residents to evacuate, and subsequently encountered William Blackburn, 49, of
Fishersville, outside the home. He was intoxicated and in possession of a 9 mm
handgun and several magazines of ammunition. Blackburn was taken into custody at
1633 HRS without incident. Evidence at the scene was recovered that indicated he
allegedly fired five (5) rounds from his pistol outside the home.

Deputies subsequently recovered fifteen (15) additional firearms, including five (5)
weapon suppressors with no required serial numbers or Federal NFA paperwork, and
a host of tactical gear, magazines, and ammunition. All evidence was seized by the
Sheriff’s Office.

Blackburn was arrested and jailed on state charges of public intoxication and reckless
handling of a firearm. The investigation into this incident is continuing, and the
Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms,
to further investigate the potential Federal weapons violations.
Investigation revealed that a possible motive was Blackburn was upset over the recent County-wide burn ban ordinance that is in place until January 8, 2024.

“This was an isolated incident that appears to be alcohol fueled.” “While this incident
could have been a great danger to our community and the deputies, Blackburn’s
decision to surrender without incident was the best outcome possible for everyone,”
said Sheriff Donald L. Smith.