STANLEY, VA – According to authorities in Virginia, a 48-year-old Stanley Police officer was fatally shot during a traffic stop on the afternoon of February 26th. Officials stated that the suspect was also fatally shot in the incident.
Stanley, Virginia, police said 48-year-old officer Dominic Winum was fatally shot in the town Friday afternoon.https://t.co/qx7LJOeOpf
— WTOP (@WTOP) February 27, 2021
In a statement provided by the Stanley Police Department, Officer Dominic Winum was fatally shot during a traffic stop on February 26th.
The traffic stop reportedly occurred within the 600 block of Judy Lane in Stanley.
While details of what prompted the initial traffic stop are unclear as of this writing, the suspect reportedly shot Officer Winum before he could even exit his patrol vehicle during the stop.
Virginia State Police officials allege that the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Dakota Richards, fled from the scene on foot thereafter – where Richards was said to have tried hiding out in a barn.
After deputies from the Page County Sheriff’s Department located the suspect, officials allege that Richards made a “threatening movement” and officers fatally shot the suspect.
News of the suspect being fatally shot by authorities came after initial reports claimed that Richards was taken into custody by officers.
#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
Officer Winum had served with the Stanley Police Department since 2016. Prior to his service with the SPD, Officer Winum had been a trooper with the Virginia State Police from 2006 to 2016.
Stanley Police Chief Ryan Dean afforded the following comments about Officer Winum’s passing:
“It is with heavy hearts this evening that we must inform our community of the line of duty death of one of our own: Officer Dominic “Nick” J. Winum.”
He went on to say:
“Since joining our department in 2016, he proudly served and protected the Stanley community. I know the Stanley and Page County community are keeping Nick and his family in their prayers during this most difficult time.”
The Virginia State Police are reportedly taking the lead on the investigation.
This is a developing investigation.
Please follow Law Enforcement Today as we gather further information on this case as it becomes available.
Just recently, we at Law Enforcement Today had reported on the unfortunate passing of a corrections officer in Indiana that was reportedly killed by an inmate serving over 100-years in prison.
Here’s that previous report.
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MICHIGAN CITY, IN – A corrections officer was killed, while a second one was injured in a stabbing incident that occurred at a state prison in Indiana on February 21st, according to officials.
Authorities say that the inmate behind the stabbing is a convicted murderer serving a 130-year sentence.
UPDATE: Lieutenant Eugene Lasco was killed at the Indiana State Prison Sunday, officials confirmed. IDOC said another officer is now in stable condition after the attackhttps://t.co/TnWGSRAAK4
— FOX59 News (@FOX59) February 22, 2021
Investigators say the stabbing occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. within one of the common areas inside of the Indiana State Prison.
The inmate allegedly behind the stabbing, identified as 38-year-old Tymetri Campbell, had initially attacked Sergeant Padrick Schmitt – stabbing Sergeant Schmitt numerous times.
Sergeant Padrick Schmitt – IDOC
Lieutenant Eugene Lasco had reportedly gone to go help Sergeant Schmitt, and investigators say that Campbell began to start stabbing the corrections lieutenant in response.
Both of the corrections officers were transferred to Franciscan Hospital after the incident, where Lieutenant Lasco unfortunately succumbed to his wounds.
Lieutenant Eugene Lasco – IDOC
Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Robert Carter later issued a statement following the news of the corrections lieutenant’s death:
“Lt. Eugene Lasco paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever indebted to his service to the State of Indiana.”
“Lt. Lasco was well-known amongst his colleagues as a true team member, someone they could count on, and he proved that again on Sunday, when he rushed in to help a fellow correctional officer. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Carter was said to have ordered that all IDOC flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Lieutenant Lasco’s passing. Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued the same flag protocol for LaPorte County, as well.
Lieutenant Lasco had reportedly started his career with the IDOC back in 2009 and was just 57 years old at the time of his death.
As for the second stabbing victim, Sergeant Schmitt is reportedly in stable condition after later being transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Tymetri Campbell – IDOC
The alleged perpetrator behind the stabbing, Campbell, is currently serving a 130-year sentence for a triple murder committed back in 2004. Officials say that the convicted murderer is now facing preliminary charges, that include murder, for the stabbing incident.
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