A traffic stop in Virginia Beach ended in tragedy late Friday night, leading to the deaths of two police officers. As officials investigate the circumstances, tributes are pouring in for the fallen officers.
On February 21, 2025, at 11:27 p.m., officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese attempted to stop a blue Hyundai Sonata for an expired license plate. The driver initially refused to pull over before stopping at the dead end of Silven Court.
When the officers approached, the driver became argumentative and repeatedly refused commands to exit the vehicle. After several requests, he eventually stepped out, but almost immediately, a struggle broke out.
During the altercation, the driver pulled a handgun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. While they lay defenseless on the ground, he fired again, fatally wounding them before fleeing.
Backup officers responded within minutes and launched a search for the driver. He was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a shed behind an apartment complex near the scene.
Authorities confirmed him to be 42-year-old John McCoy III, a convicted felon. Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressed the public in an emotional press conference, providing details on the tragic loss of Officers Girvin and Reese.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
He revealed that Officer Reese, 30, was pronounced dead shortly after midnight at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers. Officer Girvin, 25, succumbed to his injuries at Virginia Beach General Hospital around 4:30 a.m., also surrounded by loved ones and members of his police family.
Speaking on the department’s grief, he stated, “We’re all hurting. We’ve got families that have lost a loved one in the prime of their life, and they are completely devastated.” Neighbors described hearing gunshots and witnessing a heavy police presence.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
Marcus Burton, who lives near the scene, said he initially heard several gunshots but didn’t realize the gravity of the situation until he saw police swarming the neighborhood. “I looked out my window and saw a guy walking through the alleyway. Next thing you know, the whole neighborhood’s full of cops,” he said.
A Virginia Beach forensic truck | Source: Getty Images
Another resident, Micka Carden, expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in what she described as a quiet community. “My son was a police officer in the Army. My husband and I both served in the military. We respect law enforcement, and it’s just terrible that this happened. It’s awful,” she said.
Community members and law enforcement agencies have since offered their condolences, mourning the loss of the two officers who paid the ultimate price in service to their city.
Virginia Beach Fire Department shared in part on Facebook, “Our hearts are filled with profound sadness and sorrow this morning upon learning of the tragic loss of two of our brothers in blue. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our prayers to the grieving families […].”
Someone close to Girvin also took to Facebook and wrote in part, “I cannot think of the words to describe how I’m feeling. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m heartbroken, I’m a whirlwind of emotion. Cameron Girvin you where not just a coworker or a partner you where one of my best friends, you where a brother to me [sic].”
This saddening incident follows the heartbreaking news of another police officer having his life cut short following a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania.
Chaos unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman stormed the ICU, taking staff members hostage before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.
The violence resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year veteran of law enforcement, and left multiple individuals wounded. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed in the confrontation.
Authorities reported that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties before heading straight to the ICU.
UPMC took to Facebook to share confirmation of reports of a gunman being present and shots being fired. He held staff hostage and prevented officers from breaching the unit by threatening to kill one of the hostages.
When he later emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker still at gunpoint, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. Two additional law enforcement officers suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition. A doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured during the chaos.