The Virginia state trooper murdered during a training exercise at a bus station Thursday was gunned down by an ex-con who reportedly harbored a deep-seated hatred of police – and law enforcement leaders say it’s the latest example of a growing anti-cop climate that’s putting their men and women in danger.
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Initially, State Police had said in a news release that two troopers were taken to a hospital, but Geller later told reporters that only one had been hurt. Shortly after the two talked for a few seconds, with the suspect to the trooper’s immediate right, Brown pulled a gun from his waistband and shot Dermyer from just inches away.
Two civilians were also hit by gunfire, although police could not immediately say whether the suspect shot them or if it was friendly fire. Two women who were at the Greyhound bus station were also hurt in the incident but their injuries were not thought to be serious. Both were at the bus station en route to other destinations. He encountered Trooper Chad P. Dermyer, who may have made some small talk with Brown.
Based on evidence and surveillance video, police said Brown was initially sitting down in the restaurant inside the bus station.
The Greyhound Bus Station is located west of the city’s downtown area, across from Richmond’s minor league baseball stadium and within a former industrial area.
Brown, 34, was killed by other troopers, Virginia State Police said. He had a lengthy criminal record in IL. Millen recalled a conversation he once had with Dermyer’s wife, she said she was relieved when he left the military for law enforcement. Here’s what we know about what happened.
Police said Brown’s bus trip started in Raleigh, N.C., and he was on a stopover in Richmond before heading to DC for another stopover. His childhood friend said the way Brown died does not come as a complete surprise.
“He was a certainly a professional, a beloved father and husband, and a neighbor and friend to so many”, Flaherty said. He has an “extensive criminal history”, Flaherty said. Brown was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. He also has been arrested for eluding and resisting police and has been cited for several traffic offenses, records show.
The troopers, however, responded to an attack, he said.
We’ve learned that one of the women who was injured in the shooting was a member of the Binghamton University’s track team. She said the trooper was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The other victim is a resident of North Carolina and is expected to make a full recovery. That regulation will be reviewed, he said.
The group had emotional songs like Amazing Grace, joined hands in prayer, and listened to words of support for Trooper Dermyer’s family.
Ward, whose own son served as a state trooper for eight years, was troubled by Dermyer’s death. People brought flowers and tied balloons to a side mirror.
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Millen said he only knew Dermyer for six months.
