Virginia Beach Police Department announced that one of its officers was involved in a fatal incident this week.
On Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Quarter Way at 10:23 for a drug overdose call, VBPD stated.
The first officer at the scene reportedly heard commotion inside the residence and went in. VBPD said that officer found a man later identified as Robert Miller and a female upstairs in a bedroom struggling over a knife.
The officer reportedly gave several commands for Miller to drop the knife. But, according to VBPD, he “charged at the officer with the knife in hand.”
The officer, whose identity hasn’t been released, fired and shot Miller, a Virginia Beach resident, the department stated.
According to VBPD, aid was rendered, and Miller was transported to the hospital. It was there that he later died from his injuries.
VBPD did not state how long Miller was at the hospital before he died, but the announcement was made Thursday afternoon, shortly before 3 p.m.
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The officer is on administrative leave, which VBPD said is standard practice for an officer-involved shooting.
Two criminal investigations will be conducted. One is being handled by VBPD Detective Bureau. The other is handled by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney, and VBPD describes that effort as a “parallel, independent criminal investigation.”
Once both criminal investigations are completed, VBPD Internal Affairs Unit is slated to conduct an administrative review to determine compliance with department policy, procedure, and training.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident. We offer our comfort to the grieving family, our officer, and the community during this incredibly difficult time,” said VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate.
He added, “In these events, officers are forced to make split-second decisions to protect their lives and the lives of others. This event is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers our officers face every day while serving our community.”
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