VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officials held a press conference addressing the fatal shooting of two VBPD officers.
VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate was the primary speaker at the press conference. His voice shook with grief as he shared details about Friday’s incident.
“I stand here to provide an update on two heroes,” said Neudigate, “Two heroes who went to work last night and never made it home. Two heroes who paid the ultimate price.“
At approximately 11:27 p.m. on February 21, 2025, VBPD officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese patrolled the area. They saw a blue Hyundai Sonata with an expired plate on South Rosemont Road.
The officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to yield. The officers followed the vehicle to the dead-end road of Silvan Court. Both officers approached on foot.
The male driver was argumentative. They made numerous requests for him to exit the vehicle. Eventually, he complied.
As he stepped from the vehicle, there was an immediate physical altercation between the officers and the subject.
During the struggle, the subject suddenly pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot both officers. The officers fell. While they lay on the ground, defenseless, he shot both of them again.
Numerous responding officers and EMS attempted life-saving measures while transporting the two victims to local hospitals.
Despite valiant efforts, Officer Christopher Reese was pronounced deceased at Sentara Princess Ann Hospital, just past midnight. Officer Cameron Girvin was pronounced deceased at Virginia Beach General Hospital at 4:30 a.m.
“One officer was 25 years old,” said Neudigate. “The other was 30. Such a future ahead of them. Senselessly taken.”
Officers at the scene of the traffic stop conducted a grid search and looked for the subject.
In a shed near the location of the traffic stop, police found an individual suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. A preliminary investigation shows that he inflicted the wound on himself.
Police identified the shooter as John McCoy, III, a 42-year-old Virginia Beach man.
Earlier in the day, the VBPD posted this announcement on their social media pages:
We are devastated to confirm the deaths of two of our officers, who were shot in the line of duty late last night.
We are unable to share much information at this time as this is still very much an active investigation. However, we want to assure the community that there is no active threat.
We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to put the pieces of this tragic event together, make notifications, and grieve the loss of two of our own.
Dash cam and body cam evidence is being reviewed. Additional details will be released as they become available.
“Officers Girvin and Reese were dedicated police officers,” said Neudigate, during the press conference. “We asked them to go out and keep us safe from evil. Last night, evil found them. That sacrifice is a painful reminder of the dangers our officers face in the unwavering commitment to serve and protect. I vow that we will never forget the sacrifice of Cameron and Chris.“
The entire VBPD press conference may be viewed in its entirety HERE.
February 23, 2025 Virginia Beach Police Department social media post:
Virginia Beach Police Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese dedicated their lives to upholding the safety and well-being of others.
Officer Cameron Girvin graduated from VBPD’s 68th Police Academy and was sworn in as a certified officer on June 19, 2020. He was 25 years old.
Officer Christopher Reese was a member of the 72nd Police Academy and was sworn in as a certified officer on July 29, 2022. He was 30 years old.
These officers were not just members of this department; they were family, friends, and heroes. Their sacrifice is a painful reminder of the daily dangers our officers face and their unwavering commitment to serve with honor and integrity.
To the families of our fallen heroes: We stand with you, grieve with you, and will never forget the service and sacrifice of your loved ones. To the men and women of this department: Lean on one another, support one another, and honor our fallen by continuing the mission they so bravely upheld.
We ask the community to keep these officers, their families, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers.
Story updated 2/23/25 to include officer photos and an additional BPD statement.