Trooper, Gunman Dead in Virginia Greyhound Shooting
- By Sydny Shepard
- Apr 01, 2016
A state trooper and a gunman are dead following an “active shooter” situation at a Greyhound bus station in Virginia on March 31, police said.
Police Trooper Chad Dermyer died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds during the shooting. Two civilian women were also injured during the incident which took place around 2:45 p.m. at the downtown bus station in Richmond.
Several troopers were present at the bus station during the time of the shooting as they were taking part in a police training mission. Dermyer, who was wearing a military-fatigue-style uniform, approached a man at the entrance of the station when the man pulled a gun and shot the officer at close range, police said.
The gunman then shot the two civilians, while two officers, standing nearby, returned fire fatally striking the gunman, who died after being taken to the hospital. Police believe the whole incident lasted around 30 seconds.
Dermyer was not wearing a bullet-proof vest at the time. Police are encouraged, but not required to wear vests during such training sessions.
Police officials say that they have identified the gunman, whose address is not listed in Virginia, but are not releasing the identity of the man as they are still trying to notify the next of kin. The man has a history of charges against him, but investigators were still sorting through his convictions at the time of the press conference.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said he had spoken to the mayor of Richmond and the state police superintendent and was offering "whatever state resources may be necessary" to respond to the situation.
"Our public safety team and I will continue to monitor the situation and support State Police and local authorities in their response and investigation of this incident," he said in a statement.
About the Author
Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.