Two police officers were shot and killed during a traffic stop in Virginia Beach on February 23, 2025. The incident occurred late Friday night when the officers stopped a vehicle with expired plates, leading to a confrontation with the driver.
- Two officers killed during traffic stop
- Driver shot officers before taking own life
- Officers were Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese
- Incident captured on body-worn cameras
- Virginia Beach community in mourning
- Mayor expresses heartbreak over tragedy
The tragic event unfolded around 11:27 p.m. when Officers Cameron Girvin, 25, and Christopher Reese, 30, initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by John McCoy III, 42. Upon exiting his vehicle in a residential area, McCoy became argumentative and engaged in a physical altercation with the officers before shooting them both. Chief Paul Neudigate described the aftermath as horrific; video footage from body-worn cameras captured the incident.
After shooting the officers while they were downed and wounded, McCoy fled but was later discovered in a nearby shed with what authorities believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There was another individual present in McCoy’s vehicle; however, authorities do not expect to file charges against this person.
- Officer Cameron Girvin joined the Virginia Beach Police Department in 2020.
- Officer Christopher Reese had been with the department since 2022 after serving as deputy sheriff.
- The incident has deeply affected the local community of approximately 450,000 residents.
The deaths of Officers Girvin and Reese have sent shockwaves through Virginia Beach. Mayor Bobby Dyer expressed profound sorrow for their loss at a News conference: “Today our city is heartbroken,” he stated. The police chief emphasized that despite appearing stoic outwardly, his department is grieving internally while still committed to their duties.
This incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding officer safety and community relations within law enforcement agencies. As investigations continue into this tragic event, it serves as a reminder of the risks faced by police officers daily while serving their communities.
