The lobby of the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester became the scene of violence and gunshots this morning, when Coatesville resident Curtis Smith entered the lobby at about 11 a.m. and slashed an on-duty Deputy Sheriff with a knife.

A second on-duty Deputy Sheriff shot Smith, who was immediately treated for a gunshot wound and transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The District Attorney's Office later confirmed that the unidentified injured deputy was taken to the hospital for treatment of stab wounds in the hand and arm.

District Attorney Tom Hogan identified Smith as the man who was arrested earlier this year for scaling a stone wall at the perimeter of the White House.

Within minutes of the shooting, Chester County detectives arrived on the scene, as had other law enforcement officials, including members of the West Chester Police. 

The Justice Center was evacuated after the incident.