Arrest made following parking lot altercation

At approximately 5:33 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, Christiansburg Police were dispatched to 1600 N. Franklin St. for reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, investigators determined an argument and subsequent physical altercation took place in the parking lot of the Christiansburg Recreation Center, involving multiple individuals. Witnesses say the disagreement originated during a basketball game, but was quickly addressed. However, the argument later continued outside.

During the altercation, an individual retrieved a gun from his vehicle and fired two shots into the air, then drove away from the scene.

Police arrested the suspect, 26-year-old Da-shon Lynell Louden, of Roanoke, along I-81 mile marker 143N in Roanoke.

Louden is being held at the Montgomery County Regional Jail and charged with:

2 counts of Reckless handing of a firearm
1 count of Brandishing a firearm
2 counts Discharge a firearm in a public place
4 counts Felony child endangerment
2 counts Discharging a firearm in the Town of Christiansburg, per Town ordinance

No one was injured and there is no current danger to the public. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Christiansburg Police Department would like to thank the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police for their assistance.