VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Two police officers were killed following a traffic stop in Virginia Beach on Friday, Virginia Beach Police Department said.
VBPD said two officers conducted a traffic stop at 11:27 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Lynnhaven Parkway and Wendfield Drive in Green Run.
Authorities said that after the officers requested for the driver to leave the vehicle, a physical altercation ensued, and the suspect revealed a pistol and shot both officers twice.
Authorities said despite life-saving measures, both VBPD officers lost their lives, with the second one succumbing to his injuries on Saturday morning. The officers were identified as Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese.
Suzanne and I are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two Virginia Beach police officers killed in the line of duty last night. A solemn reminder of the bravery of those who risk everything to protect us and run toward danger. The Commonwealth has their families and the entire VBPD family in our prayers and will be there for you.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Officers said they identified the suspect as 42-year-old John McCoy III. He was located in a shed behind the apartment complex near where the traffic stop occurred with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
This is the first time a Virginia Beach Police officer has been killed in the line of duty since 2008.
