In the early morning hours of July 2, 1989, in Collinsville, Virginia, the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer was tragically cut short. Paul Edward Grubb, a 41-year-old white male and a nine-year veteran of the Henry County Sheriff's Office, was part of a tactical team executing a narcotics search warrant at a residence. It was a mission that would prove to be his last.
At approximately 3 a.m., Deputy Grubb and his fellow officers arrived at the target location. After opening a screen door, they knocked and announced their identity. Hearing no response, the team made the decision to enter the house. As the first officer through the door and into the kitchen, Grubb was immediately met with gunfire. Four shots were fired by a man inside the home. One bullet struck a major artery in the deputy's leg.
Despite the immediate medical attention he received and his transport to the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, Deputy Grubb succumbed to his severe injuries three hours later. The shooter, identified as Paul Delmer Ramsey, was taken into custody. Another officer had returned fire during the incident, striking Ramsey.
During the subsequent legal proceedings, Ramsey claimed that he had been asleep and believed his home was being burglarized, leading him to open fire. He was initially charged with capital murder and the use of a firearm. Ultimately, a court convicted Ramsey of manslaughter. Deputy Grubb was survived by his wife, daughter, and son. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the bridge on U.S. 220 over the William F. Stone Highway in Henry County was named the Paul Edward Grubb Memorial Bridge.
