Christopher J. Martin Obituary, – The suspect involved in the officer-involved shooting in Galax on Monday has been identified by the Virginia State Police as Christopher J. Martin, aged 46. Martin was wanted on five felony indictments, including possession of narcotics, intent to distribute narcotics, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Virginia State Police reported that they tried to stop Martin, who was driving a Toyota Tacoma, on Route 58 near Glendale Rd in Carroll County at 12:53 p.m. Martin did not comply with the stop, resulting in a pursuit.
Upon stopping Martin on Wild Turkey Lane in Galax, he fired a gun at officers. In response, a local officer and a state trooper returned fire, leading to the state police requesting EMS. Martin was taken to Twin County Regional Hospital, where he later passed away. Fortunately, no law enforcement officers were harmed during the incident. The state trooper involved has been put on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Field Office is continuing to look into the matter.
