Unexpected tragedy hit Virginia Beach when two police officers, Christopher Reese and Cameron Girvin, were killed during what was meant to be a routine traffic stop. This alarming incident took place on the night of February 21, 2025, near the intersection of Lynnhaven Parkway and Wendfield Drive. The officers attempted to stop a blue Hyundai Sonata due to expired license plates, a common cause for many traffic stops.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old John McCoy III, refused to comply with the officers' request. Instead of pulling over as directed, McCoy led them on a short pursuit, ending on a dead-end street. It was here that the situation escalated into chaos. The interaction, initially a standard procedure, tragically transformed into a violent confrontation.
Reports detail that McCoy resisted the officers' efforts, resulting in a physical struggle. During the altercation, McCoy brandished a pistol, firing upon Officers Reese and Girvin while they were on the ground and vulnerable. Despite swift transport to local hospitals, both officers succumbed to their injuries. This devastating outcome left the police force and the community reeling.
In the hours following the incident, McCoy was discovered dead inside a shed near an apartment complex. Authorities believe he took his own life, ending the search for the suspect behind such an unthinkable act. Confirmations revealed that the officers did not discharge their weapons during the entire ordeal, highlighting their restraint under dire circumstances.
Both officers were acknowledged not only for their bravery but also for their strong reputations within the police department. Reese, who had joined the force in 2022, and Girvin, who signed up in 2020, were remembered as devoted public servants. The heartfelt tributes poured in, with Virginia Beach Mayor Robert Dyer expressing the community's deep sorrow and Governor Glenn Youngkin extending his condolences to the families and the department.
McCoy's background includes a 2009 felony conviction, yet motives behind his actions during the incident remain unclear. This tragic event marks the first time the Virginia Beach Police Department has experienced line-of-duty deaths since 2008, adding to its historical significance and impacting the community profoundly.
In honor of Officers Reese and Girvin, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police has recommended police throughout the state wear badge shrouds. This sign of mourning reflects the collective grief and respect for the fallen officers.
