Dave Sweet
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The gunman responsible for the murder of Virginia State Trooper Chad Dermyer had 143 unused rounds of ammunition in his possession when state troopers shot him dead Thursday at a Greyhound bus terminal in Richmond.
“Brown’s firearm was recovered alongside him in the rest area along with 143 rounds of unspent, additional ammunition that he had in his possession,” said Lt. Col. Steve Flaherty with the Virginia State Police during a Friday press conference.
Additionally, Flaherty revealed that the deceased shooter, James Brown III, 34, of Aurora, Illinois, had an extensive criminal history that includes illegal drug charges and unspecified charges related to gun violence.
State Trooper Dermyer was participating in a drill at the station as a new member of an anti-terrorism unit when Brown suddenly opened fire on the group of officers. Dermyer was wearing a fatigue-style uniform without a chest protector when he was shot in the chest, which was unprotected.
“We do know now he began his trip at Raleigh. His destination was Chicago. He was just supposed to have a stop in Richmond,” said Flaherty.
Two female pedestrians were incidentally shot in the altercation and sustained non-life threatening injuries. It’s unclear from which gun the bullets that hit them were fired.
State Trooper Dermyer was a former marine, husband and father of two, hailing from Jackson, Michigan.
“Chad was well-respected,” said Flaherty. “He is a decorated Marine. He had a passion for serving people and the public. And that’s what he did”
