Smyth County Deputy Hunter Dakota Reedy, 28, was killed in the line of duty on Friday, August 9, 2024, after a routine traffic stop in Marion, Virginia, escalated. Deputies from the Marion Police Department had initiated the stop for a moving violation; the vehicle continued about a mile and a half into Smyth County before pulling over. The driver, identified as 65-year-old Timothy Wayne Goodman of North Carolina, became agitated after receiving a traffic summons and opened fire, striking Deputy Reedy and another deputy.

Officers returned fire and wounded Goodman. Deputy Reedy was fatally wounded; the other injured deputy was treated and released with minor injuries. Goodman was hospitalized after the exchange and died a week later; he had been charged with aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony prior to his death.

Reedy had served three years with the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office and four years with the Chilhowie Police Department. He is remembered as a husband, father of three, son, and friend whose adventurous spirit and willingness to help left an impact on his community.

If anyone witnessed the traffic stop or the events leading up to the shooting, please share what was seen.