MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The man charged with shooting a Martinsville Police officer on New Year’s Day has been convicted of attempted capital murder.

37-year-old Thomas Joe Braxton III will be sentenced Dec 22 for attempted murder and firearms charges. He was also found guilty of possession of heroin with intent to distribute the drug.

Officer Michael Panos was shot in the left arm on Jan. 1, 2020.

An officer tried to pull over Braxton’s vehicle; however, he drove away and a police chase began. During the police pursuit, Braxton jumped out of his moving truck, which rolled down an embankment, went over Joseph Martin Highway and crashed. Braxton then fled on foot.

Police caught up with Braxton behind an apartment complex but not before shots were fired and Officer Panos was struck in the arm.

Officers returned fire, hitting the Braxton, who was jailed after being released from the hospital.