WINCHESTER, VA. — Winchester Police have released more details in Wednesday morning’s officer involved shooting.

In a statement released this afternoon, Winchester Police Department stateed a Winchester resident is dead following an encounter with officers that occurred shortly after 7am.

The press release says Winchester Police were dispatched to the 2400 block of Massanutten Terrace for a report of a man damaging a neighbor’s car with a sledgehammer. When officers arrived on scene, the male, later identified as 52-year-old Eric Clark of Massanutten Terrace, exited his apartment with a rifle, firing several shots at them.

A WPD officer, who is not being named at this time with 12 years of service, was able to return fire with his patrol rifle, striking the male.

Clark was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At the request of Chief John Piper, the Virginia State Police were contacted to conduct the investigation. No officers were injured but a police vehicle was severely damaged.

Three officers have been placed on administrative leave, with pay, pending the investigation.