WOUNDED FLOYD PRISONER SAYS HE WANTED TO BE SHOT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 27, 1993                   TAG: 9301270171
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FLOYD                                LENGTH: Medium
WOUNDED FLOYD PRISONER SAYS HE WANTED TO BE SHOT
Roger Lee Dodson, the inmate who was shot by a Floyd County correctional officer during an apparent escape attempt last week at Radford Community Hospital, told state police he was trying to be shot.
In a statement given while recuperating at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Dodson told them: "I wanted him to shoot me. I forced him to shoot me. It is not his fault," according to a news release.
That statement was released Tuesday by Gino Williams, Floyd County's commonwealth's attorney, who said that the investigation of the shooting had been completed. Williams also released more information about the circumstances of the shooting.
Dodson, 41, was in the hospital early Friday after complaining of medical problems while being kept in the Floyd County Jail. State police had arrested him Wednesday at a Roanoke motel.
Dodson was considered a fugitive, wanted since 1989 in Floyd County on charges of sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and grand larceny.
Williams said Tuesday that Dodson slammed a food tray against the door of the secured hospital room after the door was being opened to bring him water he had asked for. Officer Steve Tolbert was knocked to his knees.
Tolbert placed his shoulder against the door and continued to attempt to close it while warning Dodson to back away.
Tolbert, while on his knees, removed his weapon with his right hand and transferred it to his left hand, according to the news release. As Dodson continued to try to force the door open, the door struck the officer's weapon causing it to discharge into a wall.
After the gun unintentionally misfired, the release states, Tolbert put the weapon in his right hand and continued to warn Dodson "that he needed to back up and allow the door to be shut."
Dodson continued to advance toward the officer, authorities said last week, and Tolbert shot him in the left chest and shoulder.
Williams said Tuesday afternoon that he considered the shooting justified, but that decision rests with the Radford police and Radford's commonwealth's attorney, Randal Duncan.
"I found absolutely nothing wrong with the officer's conduct," Williams said, citing the situation and Dodson's size as indicators Tolbert showed restraint.
Tolbert, 47, is 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. Dodson is 6-foot-4 and weighs 315 pounds.
Tolbert, who has worked with the Sheriff's Office since 1985, was back at work Tuesday after taking some days off after the shooting.
Dodson remains in Roanoke Memorial Hospital for tests related to his heart.
Williams said it may be next week before Radford authorities announce whether any charges will be placed in the incident.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB