Deputy killed, another injured in Smyth County, Va. shooting

SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — One deputy was killed and another was injured in a shooting Friday evening in Smyth County, Virginia.

In a press conference late Friday, officials confirmed that Smyth County Sheriff’s Office deputy Hunter Reedy, 27, was killed.

A second deputy named Michael Fedorchuk was also shot, and he was released from an area hospital on Saturday afternoon, according to an update from Virginia State Police (VSP).

Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip Blevins said on Saturday morning that several charges have been filed against Timothy Wayne Goodman, 65, of North Carolina.

Goodman is charged with one count of aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Marion Police Chief John Clair said a Marion officer attempted to make a routine traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving violation around 5 p.m., but the driver, Goodman, did not immediately stop.

Sheriff’s deputies became involved when the suspect drove about a mile and a half into the county, according to Sheriff Chip Shuler.

Virginia State Police said Goodman pulled over near the intersection of Route 16 and Hatchery Drive.

Goodman was issued a citation before becoming agitated, according to Clair. A deputy then approached the suspect and was shot. Gunfire was then exchanged. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle Goodman was driving, according to the VSP.

Goodman is recovering in the hospital after being shot, and the VSP said he will be served arrest warrants upon his release.

“After charges were filed last night, my office and I visited Deputy Michael Fedorchuk in the hospital. Deputy Fedorchuk was airlifted and had emergency surgery – but is expected to fully recover. The heartbreaking death of Deputy Reedy is profound. We are mourning the loss of a father, husband, son, friend, and community hero. I will not rest until the murderer is held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Deputy Reedy, Deputy Fedorchuk and the other officers who were targeted in this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement partners who responded to this critical situation and to the community for their support during this difficult time.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip Blevins

“This is not the kind of thing that happens in this region,” Clair said. “This person came from outside our community and brought this violence here.”

Sheriff Shuler called Reedy an “absolute hero.” He was a husband and father of three and had been in law enforcement for seven years.

“This was a good, decent man who had a family, a young family, and he’s going to be missed by all of us,” Shuler said.

“While these charges have not been placed yet, I will not go to sleep tonight until they are,” Blevins said Friday night.

State Sen. Travis Hackworth and Del. Jed Arnold also spoke at the press conference.

“I want to thank everyone who pins that badge on and goes out and does their public service to keep us safe,” Hackworth said. “It’s very unfortunate that one of our heroes didn’t make it home.”

“I knew both of these deputies,” Arnold said. “And I knew them both to be honest, decent men who went about their job with the utmost pride and care for their fellow citizens.”

In a social media post , state Sen. Todd Pillion offered prayers to the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office for what he called a “tragic double officer-involved shooting.”

Del. Terry Kilgore also posted on social media, calling the incident a “tragic officer-involved shooting.”

“These actions were senseless and they have no place in any of our communities,” Kilgore wrote.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said his administration is monitoring the situation involving Smyth County deputies.

“Suzanne and I are praying for them and their families, and for all those law enforcement heroes who keep Virginians safe,” Youngkin said on X .

Virginia State Police is investigating the shooting at the request of the Marion Police Department and Smyth County Sheriff’s Office.

The death of Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy in the line of duty is a great loss to the Smyth County police force and the people of Smyth County. This tragedy illustrates the level of danger law enforcement faces on a daily basis. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the Smyth community.

Deputy Fedorchuk also sustained injuries from the incident. Praying for his recovery.

Congressman Morgan Griffith

The Smyth County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post on Saturday that Deputy Reedy was an asset to his team.

Today we mourn the loss of Deputy Hunter Reedy. Hunter was a seven year veteran officer. He began his career at the Chilhowie Police Department in 2017, then came to the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. Hunter was tragically killed in the line of duty on 8/9/2024. Hunter leaves behind a wife and 3 small children. Everyone please remember the Reedy family in your prayers over the coming days.

Smyth County Sheriff’s Office

There will be a community prayer vigil at the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday at 5 p.m. The office is at 819 Matson Dr., in Marion.

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