The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – It started when a Clifton Forge police officer was attacked in December 2023, leading to an officer-involved shooting and the
eventual sentencing of one suspect. The incident occurred on Dec. 8, 2023, when a Clifton Forge police officer was walking from behind the
department building toward the Family Dollar/Dollar Tree. The suspected attacker was 24-year-old Micah Godfrey, who allegedly pushed the
officer to the ground and threatened him with a knife.
As the officer was on the ground, Godfrey continued to approach him, prompting the officer to pull his firearm and neutralize the weapon-wielding Godfrey. The officer involved was unharmed, but the same could not be said for Godfrey who sustained life-threatening injuries. He received immediate first aid and was taken to the hospital.
Upon his release, Godfrey was arrested and placed in the Alleghany Regional Jail. During a court appearance in early January 2024, his preliminary hearing was waived in favor of a grand jury hearing. Both the prosecution and defense agreed there was sufficient evidence to move the case forward. On Monday, Feb. 24, Godfrey was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 25 years suspended. Upon his release, he will then serve five years of supervised probation.
Godfrey pleaded guilty to felony attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the importance of protecting law enforcement officers.
The Clifton Forge Police Department commended the officer’s actions and stated that the use of force was justified in response to Godfrey’s threat. The department also expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this time.
The community has closely followed the case, and the news of Godfrey’s sentencing has been met mostly with relief and a renewed commitment to supporting local law enforcement.
