Authorities search southwestern Va. for suspects in deputy's shooting

A sheriff's deputy was shot Friday after stopping a vehicle containing three robbery suspects, and authorities launched a manhunt in southwestern Virginia after they got away.

A middle school was shut down and state troopers were sent to protect the children inside.

Deputy Eric Mullins was treated for minor injuries at Bluefield Medical Center and released, said John Brown, a dispatcher for the Tazewell County Sheriff's Department.

Mullins was shot about 6:40 a.m. Friday after he stopped a vehicle on U.S. 460, Brown said. The vehicle was carrying two men and a woman suspected of robbing two convenience stores in the county, Sheriff H.S. Caudill said.

Brown said Mullins called for backup, and Bluefield officers responded.

Caudill said shots were fired from the car, and a police officer returned fire.