Virginia Beach police officers killed during horrific traffic stop ambush

In Virginia Beach, two police officers were fatally shot during a traffic stop on a late Friday night in February 2025. Officers Christopher Reese and Cameron Girvin attempted to pull over a blue Hyundai Sonata with expired license plates. The driver, John McCoy III, initially refused to exit the vehicle and became combative when approached. During the altercation, McCoy drew a firearm and shot both officers multiple times before walking away from the scene. Following the incident, Reese and Girvin were taken to local hospitals but succumbed to their injuries shortly after. The Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate described the situation as horrific, emphasizing that the officers were shot while on the ground defenseless. McCoy, a convicted felon, was later found deceased in a shed behind an apartment complex, with authorities believing he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This incident marked a tragic first for the Virginia Beach Police Department, as it was the first time in 16 years that officers had been lost in a line-of-duty shooting. In addition to causing heartbreak within the police force, the incident has left the community mourning the loss of two dedicated officers who had much potential ahead of them. Both police officers were well-respected within their department and community. The widespread reaction from local officials reflected the sorrow felt throughout Virginia Beach, as representatives expressed condolences and called for unity during this difficult time. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have asked for the public's support and patience as they work to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy further. Such acts of violence against law enforcement have sparked larger discussions about officer safety and the dangers officers face daily while serving their communities.