Virginia state trooper Chad Dermyer was killed and two civilian women were injured after an “active shooter” situation at a Richmond Greyhound bus station Thursday.
According to Virginia State Police Superintendent Steven Flaherty, the 37-year-old trooper died due to multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the shooting.
According to state police, the suspected gunman was killed in the shooting. It happened near the end of a state police counter-drug training mission which involved approaching and talking to civilians.
According to Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller, a man near the bus station’s entrance was approached by a uniformed state trooper when he pulled a gun and shot Dermyer from close range.The injured civilians were shot after the trooper. Two nearby officers returned fire and fatally struck the gunman.
According to Flaherty, the encounter lasted roughly 30 seconds. Dermyer was not wearing a bullet-proof vest at the time of the incident. Police are encouraged – but not required – to wear the vests during these sessions.
Richmond’s VCU Medical Center received multiple patients from the shooting.
Our Richmond station is closed until further notice.
See more: https://t.co/yrM2WcokZl
— Greyhound Bus (@GreyhoundBus) March 31, 2016
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe spoke to the mayor of Richmond, and is offering “whatever state resources may be necessary” to repond to the situation.
Heartbreaking and frightening situation here in Richmond right now. Praying for the troopers & their families.
— Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) March 31, 2016
“This is one of the saddest days I’ve seen in the city of Richmond,” city councilwoman Reva Trammell said.
[Image: Steve Helber/AP]
