Attempted murder charge pending against Axton woman

AXTON — Charges are pending against a Pittsylvania County woman following an incident Monday afternoon.

Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call at 1045 Retreat Drive, in Axton, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Police found Shirley Watkins, 57, barricaded in the house. Officers spend several hours in negotiations with the suspect before making entry to the residence to safely remove Watkins. She was then transported to Danville Regional Medical Center for evaluation.

Charges of attempted murder of a police officer and use of a firearm in the commission of attempted capital murder are pending, the sheriff’s office said.