Two Virginia police officers were fatally shot during a traffic stop on Friday evening, according to an announcement from their police department.
Virginia Beach officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reece were “shot in the line of duty” during a late-night traffic stop, Chief Paul Neudigate told reporters Saturday afternoon.
Girvin and Reece stopped a car for expired plates late Friday. The driver and suspected killer, John McCoy III, began arguing with them. McCoy then got out of the car and fatally shot each of the officers twice with a pistol, Neudigate said.
Emergency crews responded shortly afterward, administering life-saving measures before taking the officers to nearby hospitals. Both officers died overnight surrounded by family and friends.
Police overnight launched a search for the suspect, who Neudigate said “calmly walked away” from the scene. Officers soon found McCoy inside a shed behind a nearby apartment complex. He died from a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound, according to Neudigate.
“Now, ultimately, the determination and cause of death will be up to the medical examiner, but I can say that our preliminary investigation at this point in time…this is a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Neudigate said. “At no time did any of our officers fire shots.”
When the police department first announced the shooting early Saturday, they assured community members there was no “active threat.”
“We are unable to share much information at this time as this is still very much an active investigation,” the department said.
“We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to put the pieces of this tragic event together, make notifications, and grieve the loss of two of our own,” the department added.
Representative Jen Kiggans, whose district includes Virginia Beach, said her office’s “thoughts and prayers” are with the officers’ families and their community.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two heroic Virginia Beach police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty last night,” Kiggans wrote on X.
State Senator Bill DeSteph, who represents areas of Virginia Beach, made a similar statement.
“I am so terribly saddened to receive this news this morning,” he wrote on social media. “Please keep this officer, their family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to navigate such a profound loss.”
The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office also shared their condolences.
“Heartbreaking news out of Virginia Beach where local media reports one officer was killed and another seriously injured last night,” the office wrote on X. “We send our prayers to the officers’ families, our brothers and sisters at @VBPD and everyone affected by this tragic situation.”
Meanwhile, community members have shared their reactions on social media.
“Horrible horrible news,” one user wrote on Facebook. “Prayers go out to the families of the officers.”
“So senseless and tragic I hope you find whoever is responsible,” another said. “Prayers for everyone that’s been affected by such a tragedy.”
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