Virginia Beach, VA – Two Virginia Beach police officers, Officer Cameron Girvin, 25, and Officer Christopher Reese, 30, were fatally shot late Friday night during a routine traffic stop, marking a devastating loss for the community.
Fatal Traffic Stop Turns Deadly
The incident occurred at approximately 11:27 p.m. near the intersection of Lynnhaven Parkway and Wendfield Drive, adjacent to an apartment complex. Girvin and Reese had pulled over a vehicle for an expired license plate when the situation quickly escalated.
The driver, later identified as convicted felon John McCoy III, was reportedly uncooperative and refused to exit the car. As tensions rose, a physical altercation broke out, during which McCoy drew a firearm and shot both officers multiple times. McCoy fired additional shots while the officers lay defenseless before calmly walking away.
Officer Reese was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, while Officer Girvin succumbed to his injuries around 4:30 a.m. Girvin was expecting his first child in August.
Rest in peace Police Officer Cameron Girvin and Police Officer Christopher Reese of the Virginia Beach Police Department, who were shot and killed on 2/22/25 while conducting a car stop.
— Angel L Maysonet (@bigricanman) February 23, 2025
“While on patrol Officer Reese and Officer Girvin observed a car with an expired plate and… pic.twitter.com/zhkDiMvA0P
Suspect Found Dead
Less than an hour after the shooting, authorities discovered McCoy in a shed behind the apartment complex with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Investigators believe the wound was self-inflicted.
Community in Mourning
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate described the officers as young men with promising futures, senselessly taken. The city of 450,000 has not seen an officer killed in the line of duty since 2008.
Mayor Bobby Dyer expressed the city’s grief:
“We mourn the loss of two of our own brave Virginia Beach police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their dedication to protecting our community will never be forgotten.”
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans echoed similar sentiments, calling the deaths a tragic loss for the entire community.
Investigators Seek Motive
Authorities believe McCoy may have reacted violently due to his status as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm—a criminal offense. His felony conviction from 2009 prohibited him from carrying a gun, which could have led to additional charges had he been arrested.
A second person in the car at the time of the incident will not face charges, according to police.
Persistent Dangers for Law Enforcement
As of Feb. 25, 2025, 12 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in the U.S. since the beginning of the year. Gunfire remains the leading cause, accounting for seven of those deaths.
A similarly tragic incident occurred the same night in Pennsylvania, where Patrolman Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was fatally shot while responding to reports of a gunman in a hospital.
In the last 24 hours, we lost 3 of our bravest guardians of justice due to unacceptable criminal acts of violence against law enforcement.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 23, 2025
Officer Cameron Girvin (25)- Virginia Beach Police Department
Officer Christopher Reese (30)- Virginia Beach Police Department
Officer…
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SENSELESS, TOTALLY SENSELESS!!!!!! Three lives gone – for WHAT?????
The lack of respect for law and order is apparent in every walk of life now from Congressional members of or nationall the way down to the way drivers are on the road ways. Its almost as though people have adopted the law and limitations as options today. Just try doing the speed limit and you are the slowest car on the road. Stop at a redlight before turning right and you will get honked at, the light turns green only to find someone texting or talking on their phone and being distracted, cheating is now allowed as long as you don’t get caught as evidenced by our leading political members who also will do anything to provide more $ feathers for their own nests. People lie all the time and their values are nonexistant. Leave a wallet someplace with cash in it and its gone. Even the USPS has theives, they destroy mail, steal it, and misdirect it. People are beating on ohter people. Guns and drugs are available almost any street corner for a price. What direction is this nation going anyway? The last 20 years have really seen a drop in honesty and care for one another.
Sadly they weren’t defenseless in the classic sense. They had firearms and probably batons and OC spry. They were defenseless because they did not know or have the right training to deal with violent individuals. They did not have the mindset to kill or be killed. This tragedy rests squarely on the PC, the Mayor, and other politicians who believe cops shouldn’t hurt violent criminals and sociopaths.
They are just 2 of the 4 LEO’s shot and killed this weekend.
Police need to get back to talking softly but carrying a “Big Stick.” Criminals need to fear the police and they don’t. That is the sad truth.