Suspect killed after opening fire on police

An attempted police stop in Carroll County, Virginia, turned into a high-speed chase that ended in the suspect’s fatal shooting by law enforcement in a neighboring county.

Christopher J. Martin, 46, who police say had no established addressed, was killed by police after he opened fire on them, according to Virginia authorities.

The shooting occurred June 24, although details were not released until several days later. According to the Virginia State Police, at approximately 12:53 p.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a Toyota Tacoma that was traveling on Route 58 near Glendale Road in Carroll County. The Toyota refused to stop for the trooper and a chase ensued.

“The purpose for the traffic stop was in relation to an ongoing criminal investigation by the Twin County Regional Drug Task Force,” a spokesman for the Virginia State Police said. “The driver, Christopher J. Martin, 46, was wanted on five outstanding felony indictments handed up by a Carroll County Grand Jury on June 17: Possession of a schedule I/II narcotic; possession of a schedule I/II narcotic with the intent to distribute; distribution of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II narcotic; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.”

State police say the pursuit ended at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Wild Turkey Lane, after law enforcement were able to contain the suspect’s vehicle. According to Galax Police Chief DeWitt Cooper, the shooting occurred in Grayson County.

“Martin discharged a firearm. A task force officer and a state trooper returned fire. State police immediately requested EMS to respond to the scene,” according to state police. “Martin was transported to Twin County Regional Healthcare in Galax, where he died. His remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Roanoke for examination and autopsy.” The shooting, according to police, took place at 1:04 p.m.

State police recovered a firearm from inside the Tacoma, adding that no law enforcement were injured.

The police did not release information on the type of weapon, how many shots were fired, or the names of the officers involved.

“Once the investigation is completed, state police will turn its investigative findings over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for final review and adjudication,” Virginia State Police said. “In accordance with state police policy, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.”