A late-night traffic stop in Fredericksburg took a tragic turn last Wednesday, when a driver died by suicide moments before a Fredericksburg police officer approached the vehicle.
According to a statement released by the Fredericksburg Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on September 17 in the parking lot of Home Depot. As the officer walked toward the vehicle, the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The car then rolled forward, picking up speed before slamming into the Home Depot building.
First responders immediately attempted lifesaving measures on the scene. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Police confirmed that body-worn camera footage shows the driver shot themselves before the officer made any contact. No officers were injured in the incident. The driver’s identity has not been released, but next of kin have been notified.
The department offered condolences to the driver’s family and loved ones.
This is an ongoing investigation.