SMYTH COUNTY, Va. — A deputy from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, Hunter Reedy, 27, was killed in a shooting on Friday evening in Smyth County, Virginia. Another deputy was injured and is currently recovering in the hospital.
The incident began when a Marion police officer attempted a routine traffic stop around 5 p.m., but the driver did not immediately pull over. The situation escalated when the driver, later found to be from North Carolina, stopped near Route 16 and Hatchery Drive. After receiving a citation, the driver became agitated and shot one of the deputies. A gunfight followed, injuring the suspect, who is now recovering in the hospital.
Sheriff Chip Shuler praised Deputy Reedy, describing him as a hero, husband, and father of three, who had served in law enforcement for seven years. Charges against the suspect are pending.
State officials, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, expressed their condolences and are monitoring the situation. Virginia State Police are investigating the shooting.