Off-duty Danville officer charged in shooting — a soon-to-be dad — in court via video
DANVILLE — An off-duty Danville Police Department officer — also a soon-to-be father — accused of shooting at an SUV on Sunday morning is in the process of hiring an attorney, he told the court Wednesday morning.
Jayquan Morton appeared via video at an arraignment in Danville General District Court.
The 22-year-old Danville officer is facing seven charges after Sunday's incident that occurred on South Main Street near the exit for the Danville Expressway.
Police say a man and woman were in a sedan when a silver SUV raced up from behind them, firing "multiple rounds" at the unidentified vehicle.
The people in the car were not hit, but the vehicle was struck by bullets, police reported.
Morton knew one of the occupants of the vehicle, but authorities have not disclosed any further details on the relationship or motive in the shooting.
Once Morton was identified as a suspect, Danville Police Department Chief Chris Wiles requested that the Virginia State Police step in to conduct the investigation.
Morton was found a day later at about 10 a.m. Monday. He was arrested during a traffic stop in Danville, conducted by a Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office deputy and a Virginia State Police trooper.
The search drew effort from multiple states. He was taken into custody without incident, police reported.
The charges include two counts of attempted malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied vehicle, use of a firearm in the commission, discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle, reckless handling of a firearm and discharging a firearm within the city limits.
The suspect, who has been with the department for two years, appeared before Danville General District Court Judge Robert Adams remotely for Wednesday's brief arraignment.
The television screen was turned toward the judge, out of view of the gallery, which only included two members of the news media.
Authorities have not disclosed where Morton is being held.
In a Monday evening update, Danville police said that was "due to safety and security concerns." The Virginia State Police transported the suspect to the magistrate after his arrest.
He was held without bond, police reported.
The online court information only lists his holding location as the commonwealth of Virginia.
Adams said Morton had the right to hire an attorney or have the court appoint one. The suspect indicated his family was meeting with one Wednesday morning.
"I was in the process of hiring one today," Morton told the judge.
Once an attorney is in place, dates will be set for a preliminary and bond hearing, Adams explained.
"I have a baby being born in a couple of days," Morton told the judge, referring to wanting to know a timeframe of a bond hearing.
Adams said he would be back in touch with the suspect, perhaps Thursday, if an attorney is in place.
"I'm sorry we can't be more definitive," the judge said.
After the court session, an attorney review was scheduled for Thursday morning.
Morton was placed on leave without pay after the incident. Police said that move was pending "further administrative action."
He was one of 10 officers who took the oath on June 18, 2025. He graduated from the Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy two days later, according to the Danville Police Department.
The Virginia State Police continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information may asked to contact the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 800-542-5959.
