Danville, Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler was the victim of a horrifying attack Tuesday when a man allegedly doused him with gasoline and set him on fire inside an office building in downtown Danville.
Police identified the suspect as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, who was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently in custody. Authorities say the attack appears to have been personal and not politically motivated.
Brutal Assault Unfolds in Broad Daylight
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the 700 block of Main Street, where Vogler was visiting the offices of Showcase Magazine.
According to magazine publisher Andrew Brooks, Hayes forced his way into the office, carrying a five-gallon container of gasoline. He poured it on Vogler, who attempted to flee to the front of the building.
“The individual followed him and set him on fire,” Brooks said in a video statement.
Vogler Airlifted for Emergency Burn Treatment
Vogler, 38, was airlifted to a regional burn unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As of the latest update, he was reported to be “awake and talking”, though the full extent of his injuries is still unknown.
Emergency responders from the Danville Fire Department and Danville Life Saving Crew were on scene within minutes to render aid.
Suspect Apprehended Within Minutes
Eyewitnesses provided a description of the attacker and his vehicle. Police located and stopped the suspect several blocks away. Hayes was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities say Hayes and Vogler knew each other, and the attack stemmed from a personal matter, not from Vogler’s role as an elected official.
Background: Lee Vogler
Elected to Danville City Council in 2012 at just 24 years old — the youngest ever to hold the position.
Serves as Managing Partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group.
Longtime Danville resident and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ongoing Investigation
While charges against Hayes are pending, the Danville Police Department says no further details will be released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.
