NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Virginia police officer was killed Thursday night when a vehicle she stopped in response to a drug complaint sped off, dragging her for at least one block before pinning her against a tree.
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew told reporters on Friday Officer Katherine “Katie” Thyne and another officer asked the driver of the detained vehicle to step out of the car, but he sped away, and Thyne became entangled, CNN reported.
This morning during a press conference Chief Drew announced the line of duty death of Officer Katherine "Katie" Thyne....
Posted by Newport News Police Department on Friday, January 24, 2020
When the driver crashed the car into a tree, Thyne was pinned between the car door and the tree, WCYB reported.
The police department confirmed Thyne later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
“She was a true hero and served this community,” Drew told reporters, adding, “She is and will always be a valued member of the department.”
The driver of the vehicle, 38-year-old Vernon Evander Green, was arrested shortly after the crash and charged with homicide, drug possession and attempting to evade and elude law enforcement, CNN reported.
A New Hampshire native, Thyne, 24, joined the department in 2018 after serving in the U.S. Navy. She was active in the Navy Reserves and is survived by her 2-year-old daughter, mother, stepfather, brother and partner, WCYB reported.
Support for the department and Thyne’s survivors flooded social media on Friday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Newport News Police Department tonight as we mourn the devastating loss of a young Officer. pic.twitter.com/hGKHzb8JoV
— ODU Police Dept. (@ODUPD) January 24, 2020
To the family of Officer Katie Thyne and the women & men of @NewportNewsPD ,
— Norfolk Police Dept (@NorfolkPD) January 24, 2020
We grieve with you, we support you, and we are praying for you. Whatever you need - we're just one bridge away. pic.twitter.com/9WLseqy3lJ
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Newport News Police Officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty tonight. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the brave officer and the men and women of the Newport News Police Department. pic.twitter.com/5sKTjau7wj
— City of Hampton (@cityofhampton) January 24, 2020
#VSP extends its sincere condolences & prayers to the @NewportNewsPD during this most difficult time. #NeverForget #RIP #ServiceandSacrifice 😔🖤💙🖤 https://t.co/sJrPbVDCiA
— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) January 24, 2020
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