State Trooper J.A. Walker killed

Virginia State Trooper shot

On Thursday afternoon on Interstate 85 south a state trooper was shot and killed, confirmed Virginia State Police. At 1:20p.m. a trooper responded to a shots fire. The responder trooper saw a man standing outside the patrol can and firing a weapon into it, according VSP spokesperson Corinner Geller. All lanes of interstate 85 south are closed at mile marker 45. According to VDOT they are expected to remain close until 8 or 9p.m.

Officers say that after the male suspect fired several round into the police vehicle officers fired at the suspect, who ran in to the woods.

He was arrested 40 minutes later by the Dinwiddie County Sheriffs Officers. He is now in State Police custody. The trooper inside the patrol car was transported to MCV hospital in Richmond, where he died. Charges are pending and until now his name has not being released.

Several media outlets reporting this trooper have passed away for his injuries.

Police determined a second suspect was not involved. A weapon was recovered at the scene. Virginia police have not confirmed if a weapon recovered at the scene is the same weapon used by the suspect. State police say they won’t comment until the family is notified.

Drivers are encouraged to use Route 1 South. Exit 48 is open but they can expect delays.