Page County, VA – A Town of Stanley Police Department officer was shot and killed on a traffic stop on Friday afternoon in the 600 block of Judy Lane in Stanley.

Authorities say 48-year-old officer Dominic “Nick”  Winum was shot and killed before he could get out of his patrol car.

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The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Dakota Richards, fled the scene and was later found hiding in a barn. Richards reportedly made a threatening movement and was shot and killed by officers attempting to capture him.

Little information is known what led up to the initial traffic stop.

Officer Winum had been with the Town of Stanley Police Department since 2016.  Prior to that, he was a Trooper with the Virginia State Police for 10 years.

“It is with heavy hearts this evening that we must inform our community of the line of duty death of one of our own,” Police Chief Ryan Dean said. “I know the Stanley and Page County community are keeping Nick and his family in their prayers during this most difficult and tragic time.”

#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

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Winum’s family, department and community.

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This piece was written by Ray Dietrich on February 28, 2021. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

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