Additional Coverage:
- Two Virginia Beach police officers shot dead while ‘defenseless’ during late-night traffic stop (foxnews.com)
Tragedy struck the Virginia Beach Police Department late Friday night, claiming the lives of two young officers during a routine traffic stop. Officers Cameron Girvin, 25, and Christopher Reese, 30, were fatally shot after pulling over a vehicle for an expired license plate.
The incident unfolded around 11:27 p.m. near an apartment complex. Police Chief Paul Neudigate, speaking at a Saturday news conference, stated that the driver, identified as convicted felon John McCoy III, became immediately argumentative and refused to exit the vehicle.
A struggle ensued between McCoy and the officers after he eventually left the car. McCoy then drew a pistol, shooting both officers. While they lay defenseless, he shot each of them a second time, according to Chief Neudigate.
Less than an hour later, McCoy was found dead in a nearby shed from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Chief Neudigate expressed the department’s grief, describing the officers as having “stellar reputations” and a strong work ethic. He lamented the senseless loss of two young lives dedicated to public service.
Authorities believe McCoy’s motive may stem from his illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. A passenger in McCoy’s car will not face charges. The incident was captured on both body-worn and in-car cameras, footage Chief Neudigate described as “horrific.”
Both Girvin and Reese joined the department in 2020. Reese also served as a deputy sheriff with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. The department has implemented a two-officer-per-car policy to provide support and a sense of security for its officers.
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer expressed the city’s heartbreak and called on the community to offer prayers and support for the fallen officers, their families, and friends. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans also offered condolences, mourning the loss of the two officers.