VSP identifies suspect shot and killed by police following pursuit in Galax

No injuries to law enforcement, police say

CARROLL COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE

Virginia State Police has identified the suspect shot and killed following a car chase in Carroll County on Monday.

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At about 1 p.m., State troopers attempted to stop a Toyota Tacoma driven by 46-year-old Christopher J. Martin along Route 58 near Glendale Road. Authorities said Martin was wanted on five outstanding felony indictments handed up by a Carroll County Grand Jury on June 17, 2024, which include:

  • Possession of a Schedule I/II narcotic
  • Possession of a Schedule I/II narcotic with the intent to distribute
  • Distribution of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine
  • Possession of a firearm while in possession of a Schedule I/II narcotic
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

However, Martin refused to stop, leading to a pursuit that ended at Route 58 and Wild Turkey Lane.

Authorities said Martin then discharged a firearm, prompting a state trooper to fire in return. State police immediately requested EMS to respond to the scene, authorities said.

Martin was transported to Twin County Regional Healthcare in Galax, where he died, according to VSP. His remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Roanoke for examination and autopsy.

State police recovered a firearm from inside the Tacoma.

We’re told no law enforcement were injured in the incident.

Per state police policy, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.


ORIGINAL STORY

A man is dead after an officer-involved shooting took place following a pursuit in Carroll County Monday afternoon, according to Virginia State Police.

Police said at around 12:53 p.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a Toyota Tacoma that was traveling on Route 58 near Glendale Road in Carroll County.

We’re told the Toyota refused to stop, and a pursuit began.

According to VSP, the pursuit ended at Route 58 and Wild Turkey Lane, after law enforcement were able to contain the vehicle.

The driver of the Tacoma, a man, discharged a gun, and a local law enforcement officer and state trooper returned fire, authorities said. EMS was immediately requested to respond to the scene.

VSP said the suspect was transported to Twin County Regional Healthcare in Galax, where he died.

No law enforcement were injured in the incident.

In accordance with state police policy, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

We’ll continue to update this breaking news story as we learn more.


About the Authors

Lauren Helkowski joined WSLS 10’s digital team in August 2022, but has held a passion for storytelling long before.

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

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