On the night of February 21, 2025, Virginia Beach Police Officers Cameron Girvin, 25, and Christopher Reese, 30, were tragically killed during a traffic stop. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Lynnhaven Parkway and Wendfield Drive.
The officers had pulled over 42-year-old John McCoy III for an expired license plate. During the stop, McCoy became argumentative, leading to a physical confrontation. He then drew a pistol and shot both officers multiple times. While they were on the ground defenseless, McCoy shot them each a second time. Officer Reese was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, and Officer Girvin succumbed to his injuries around 4:30 a.m.
McCoy fled the scene but was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had a prior felony conviction from 2009, making his possession of a firearm illegal and subject to new felony charges.
Officer Reese had been with the Virginia Beach Police Department since 2020. Officer Girvin joined the force in 2021 and was expecting his first child with his wife in August. Police Chief Paul Neudigate expressed profound sorrow over the loss, highlighting the impact on the department and the community.
This incident marks the first shooting deaths of Virginia Beach police officers since 2008. The department has requested public patience and understanding as the investigation continues.
