Stephen Thomas Ball dies in fatal Williamsburg police shooting

Stephen Thomas Ball dies in fatal Williamsburg police shooting

Fatal Williamsburg police shooting death of Stephen Thomas Ball – Obituary

Stephen Thomas Ball, 33, of Newport, North Carolina, was fatally shot by police on January 28, 2026, following a violent incident at a Williamsburg-area shopping center. Authorities say Ball was involved in a stabbing outside Ross Dress for Less before fleeing to a nearby Home Depot, where he confronted officers.

Deputies from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene around 3:25 p.m. Upon arrival, they learned that Ball had stabbed a woman, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Ball then entered the Home Depot, armed with a hammer, and attempted to harm responding officers. Despite verbal commands to stop, Ball lunged at law enforcement, prompting them to discharge their firearms.

Ball was transported to Sentara-Williamsburg Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The woman who was stabbed received medical treatment but survived. Authorities confirmed that Ball and the victim were not acquainted.

The incident, described as challenging for all involved, is under investigation by the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office and James City County Police Department.