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Virginia State Trooper’s shooting death remains under investigation

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Richmond, Va. - Virginia State Police continue to investigate a shooting at a Greyhound Bus station in Richmond on Thursday afternoon that left a state trooper and suspect dead and two others injured. On Saturday police released details about the funeral arrangements.

Trooper Chad Dermyer

Virginia State Police Trooper Chad Dermyer, 37,  was among approximately a dozen troopers participating in criminal interdiction training exercises at the bus station on Thursday, according to VSP.

The suspect, 34-year-old James Brown III, of Aurora, Ill. had been inside the terminal restaurant. He left the restaurant around 2:30 p.m. and walked toward his bags that were located near the front of the terminal.

As Brown walked toward his bags, Trooper Dermyer approached him. After a brief exchange, Brown pulled a .40 caliber Beretta semiautomatic pistol from his waistband and shot Trooper Dermyer multiple times.

At that time, two nearby state troopers in plain clothes pulled out their weapons and returned fire.

Brown moved into the bus terminal's restaurant where he continued to be combative as he was taken into custody.

James Brown III

Trooper Dermyer was immediately taken to VCU Medical Center, where he died on Thursday afternoon.

Brown was also taken to VCU Medical Center where he also later died.

During the shooting, two women inside the bus terminal were also shot. They were both transported to VCU Medical Center and are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The women, ages 21 and 47, were bus passengers that were passing through Richmond.

No other law enforcement personnel or civilians were injured in the shooting.

Richmond Police immediately responded to the scene to help Virginia State Police secure the scene, interview witnesses, and collect evidence.

The FBI, ATF, Department of Homeland Security, US Marshals Service, and Henrico County Police also responded to assist.

As Virginia State Police continue to investigate, Trooper Dermyer, who served in VSP's Chesapeake Division,  is being remembered as an outstanding asset the force.

He had just recently transferred to the state police Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Interdiction Unit. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Trooper Dermyer's patrol car

Dermyer's patrol car was put on display in front of the Virginia State Police headquarters Thursday night to honor him.

A prayer vigil was held Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. on the sidewalk area across from the Greyhound Bus Terminal at 2910 N. Boulevard. The vigil was sponsored by Richmond United for Law Enforcement and United Communities Against Crime.

On Saturday, police announced the funeral arrangements.

Visitation will be allowed April 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  at Liberty Baptist Church on 1021 Big Bethel Road in Hampton.

The funeral service will be held in the same location the following day on April 5 at 11 a.m.

The graveside burial will be for family members, VSP executive staff, Area 46, CCI, 112nd Basic Session, and Newport News Police officers at Rosewell Memorial Garden after the service.

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