A Virginia police officer was shot dead during a traffic stop Friday afternoon, police said.
Officer Nick Winum, 48, had stopped the car of the suspect Dakota Richards in the city of Stanley around 3:30 p.m., according to the Daily News-Record.
But the suspect got out of his car and opened fire on Winum before the five-year veteran left his patrol car.
Winum died at the scene. Richards fled and was arrested by law enforcement in a nearby camp, the center reported.
The police department was mourning Winum’s death.
“Since joining our department in 2016, he has proudly served and protected the Stanley community,” Chief Ryan Dean said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“I know the Stanley and Page County community keeps Nick and his family in their prayers during this difficult and tragic time.”