(Culpeper
)- The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Culpeper Field Office continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon (March 22) in the City of Fredericksburg. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Richmond has determined that Travis J. Blair, 33, of Fredericksburg, Va., died of a single gunshot wound to the leg.
The incident began shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday when a Fredericksburg Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a 1999 Mercury Cougar at the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and Braehead Drive in the city. The officer identified the adult male driver as Blair who was wanted on an outstanding warrant. The Mercury stopped for the officer on Braehead Drive.
During the course of the traffic stop, Blair refused to comply with the officer’s commands and an altercation ensued. Blair then put his vehicle in drive, dragging the officer before the car crashed into a ditch just short of the intersection of Braehead Drive and Kinloch Drive.
The altercation continued between Blair and the officer. Blair then fled the vehicle on foot. The officer pursued Blair on foot for a few hundred feet before catching up to the suspect. Blair again refused to comply with the officer’s commands and an altercation ensued. During the struggle, Blair was shot in the leg by the officer.
Blair was transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where he died shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday. His remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond for autopsy and examination.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Culpeper Field Office is conducting the investigation at the request of the Fredericksburg Police Department. Once state police completes its investigation, the findings will be presented to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for final review and adjudication.