The Virginia State Police investigation into the shooting of two Smyth County sheriff’s deputies and the suspect is currently ongoing.

The incident began around 5 p.m. on Friday (August 9, 2024) when Marion City Police initiated a traffic stop on Route 16 in the city, but did not stop the vehicle until near the intersection of Route 16 and Hatchery Dr. in the county. Officers from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist Marion Police Officers with the traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the suspect driver fired at the officers and officers, striking both officers. Police returned fire, striking the shooting suspect.

Smyth County Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Reedy, 28, died of his injuries at the scene.

A second Smyth County Sheriff’s deputy who was shot was flown to Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, for treatment of a serious but non-life-threatening injury. The deputy was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon (August 10, 2024).

The suspect, a 65-year-old North Carolina man, was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. State police have obtained arrest warrants for him, which will be served upon his release from the hospital. A firearm was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.

No other police officers were injured during the incident.

At the request of the City of Marion Police Chief and the Smyth County Sheriff, the Wytheville Field Office of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. Once the State Police complete their investigation, the findings of the investigation will be turned over to the District Attorney for final review and determination.