Councilman Intentionally Set on Fire, Officials Confirm

Councilman Set on Fire in Danville, Virginia

A councilman in Danville, Virginia, was airlifted to a medical facility after being intentionally set on fire, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 11:30 a.m., when the Danville Police Department received reports of a man being set on fire on the 700 block of Main Street.

The Danville Fire Department and the Danville Life Saving Crew were also dispatched to the scene. The victim of the attack was identified as Lee Vogler, a member of the Danville City Council. According to investigators, the suspect entered a local magazine office where Vogler worked, confronted him, and doused him with a five-gallon bucket of gasoline. Vogler attempted to flee and ran to the front of the building, where the suspect set him on fire.

A receptionist at a nearby business witnessed the attack and rushed to help put out the flames. Vogler was then airlifted to a burn unit at a hospital in Chapel Hill. The full extent of his injuries is not yet known.

Suspect Fled, But Was Later Arrested

Officials reported that the suspect fled the scene, but witnesses provided a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Officers later stopped the vehicle several blocks away and took the driver into custody. The driver was identified as Shotsie Hayes, 29, who is currently in police custody.

According to the investigation, Vogler and Hayes knew each other, and the attack appears to be rooted in a personal matter, not related to Vogler’s position on the Danville City Council.

Vogler was first elected to the Danville City Council in May 2012 at the age of 24, making him the youngest person ever elected to the position. His leadership and service have been widely recognized within the community.

Reactions from Community Leaders

Andrew Brooks, the publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, expressed outrage over the incident. He stated, “This type of senseless act of violence has to stop. You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them. In any way, much less this way.”

Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He is currently held in the Danville City Jail without bond.

Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones released a statement following the incident. He said:

"Today, our community was shaken by an unthinkable act of violence against Councilman Lee Vogler—our colleague, our friend, and someone we care about deeply. Lee is a member of our City Council family. And today, that family is hurting. Our prayers are with Lee and his loved ones. We are grateful to our first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. Our Council is close. We’ve worked through challenges together—and now, we face this heartbreak together. Please continue to pray for Lee and his family. We’re standing with him—and with each other."

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Local leaders and residents are expressing concern and solidarity with Vogler and his family during this difficult time.

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