Newport News Police Department Officer Dies After Being Dragged By Vehicle During Traffic Stop, Driver Arrested

A female officer with the Newport News Police Department, Virginia, succumbed to injuries after she was dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop Thursday night.

In a statement, the department said the unnamed officer was conducting a traffic stop when the driver of the vehicle accelerated, dragging the officer. The driver immediately fled the scene on his vehicle which crashed nearby. The unidentified driver was taken into custody following the crash.

“After being transported to the hospital, the officer succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased,” the department said, adding that the police chief will be holding a press conference Friday morning to release details about the incident. Investigation into the case was ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Hampton Police Division took to Facebook to offer condolences.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our Newport News Police family tonight as we mourn the devastating loss of one of our own," the department wrote.