Virginia Beach, Virginia – In a tragic incident late Friday night, two police officers were fatally shot during a traffic stop, according to law enforcement officials.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate announced that Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reece lost their lives after stopping a vehicle due to expired registration plates. The situation escalated when the suspect, identified as John McCoy III, 42, became confrontational when requested to leave his vehicle. After exiting the car, McCoy allegedly drew a handgun and fired multiple shots, hitting both officers.
The Chief described the events as captured by the officers’ body cameras, calling the footage “horrific.” He praised the fallen officers, stating, “Girvin and Reece were devoted, resolute peace officers and public servants.” Neudigate emphasized their exceptional standing within the department and commended their exemplary work ethic. He reflected on the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty, saying, “We tasked them with safeguarding our community from harm, and unfortunately, last night, evil encountered them.”
Authorities later discovered McCoy inside a shed, where he had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Investigators revealed that McCoy had a prior felony conviction from 2009, which would have made possession of a firearm an additional criminal offense. Specifics regarding the earlier conviction were not disclosed.
The police department has requested the community’s understanding as they navigate the ongoing investigation and come to terms with the tragic loss of their colleagues.
