In a shocking incident on Friday, during a traffic arrest, a gunman reportedly opened fire on a police officer in Virginia, killing him. According to various sources, the suspect was shot and killed by police after making a menacing motion towards officers who tried to pursue him away from the scene on foot.
In Stanley, Virginia, where he worked on the Stanley police force, Officer Dominic “Nick” Winum was reportedly shot at about 3:15 pm local time. According to news, Winum had been with the Stanley Police Department for five years and had previously worked with the Virginia State Police for ten years.
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In statements issued by both agencies, he was honored as a competent and exemplary police officer.
#VSP extends its prayers & condolences to the fellow officers & family of #Stanley, #Virginia Police Officer D.J. "Nick" Winum. #RIP His loss is shared by us, too, as Officer Winum graduated the #VSP 112th Basic Session in 2006 & served w/us as a Trooper until 2016. @VaPSHS pic.twitter.com/rv4E7JlfnE
— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) February 27, 2021
Winum conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Judy Lane in Stanley, according to police, but before he was able to get out of his car, the suspect who was being pulled over opened fire on Winum, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police also named the suspect as Dakota G. Richardson, who is a Stanley resident as well.
Richardson is suspected of fleeing the scene on foot and was subsequently apprehended by Page County Sheriff’s Deputies at a barn. Richardson reportedly made a provocative motion toward officers trying to apprehend him, causing them to open fire. Richardson was hit by gunfire and died from his injuries soon after.
At the time of the release of this report, the police were not aware of any potential motive that Richardson may have had for opening fire on Winum.
The Stanley Police Department plainly said, “In a post on their Facebook page, “We are at a loss for words. Please keep our fallen brother’s family, the Stanley Police Department, and our law enforcement family in your prayers.”
