The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of Stanley Police Officer Dominic "Nick" J. Winum, 48, who was shot and killed Friday, February 26 while attempting to execute a traffic stop.

Shrouding is recommended through the day of his funeral — Thursday, March 4.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Winum's family, friends and fellow officers at this exceedingly difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements for Officer Dominic "Nick" Jared Winum 

August 31, 1972 - February 26, 2021

Community Prayer Vigil
Tuesday March 2, 2021 • 7:00pm
Luray VFW
218 Veterans Lane
Luray, VA 22835

All are invited to attend to pray for our community.

Viewing
Wednesday March 3, 2021 • 8:00am - 5:00pm
Bethlehem Independent Christian Church
Kite Hollow Road
Stanley, Virginia 22851

Funeral Service
Thursday March 4, 2021 • 2:00pm
Luray Bulldog Field
740 US Hwy 340 N.
Luray, Virginia 22835

There will be no procession. All services will take place at Bulldog Field. 

** At the request of Chief Dean, any agency wishing to send representatives to the funeral service for Officer Nick Winum, please contact Captain Tim Lansberry of the Page County Sheriff's Office for service information 540-743-6571.**

Visit thebradleyfuneralhome.com for additional information.

Special Request from the Winum Family
The family of Nick Winum is respectfully requesting that NO tee-shirts, items or other apparel be made with #202, or anything with Nick Winum's picture or badge. They are grieving the loss of their husband, father, brother, son and grandpa. 

The support of law enforcement and the honor of Nick has been incredible and they are grateful for that. Please know that the generic support, thin blue line shirts, flags, etc. being displayed is greatly appreciated, but they do ask that nothing be personalized for Nick. Please honor this family's wishes.
 

Statement by Town of Stanley Police Chief Ryan Dean: 

"It was with heavy hearts this evening that we must inform our community of the line of duty death of one of our own: Officer Dominic 'Nick' J. Winum, 48. Since joining our department in 2016, he proudly served and protected the Stanley community. I know the Stanley and Page County community are keeping Nick and his family in their prayers during this most difficult and tragic time.

"Officer Winum was fatally shot this afternoon while attempting a traffic stop in the Town of Stanley. Thanks to the immediate response of his fellow Stanley Police Officers and the Luray Police Department, Page County Sheriff's Office, Warren County Sheriff's Office, and the Virginia State Police, the suspect shooter was tracked to and taken into custody in a field off Marksville Road. There is no additional threat to the community this evening."

News Release from Virginia State Police:

Officer Winum was fatally shot this afternoon while attempting a traffic stop in the Town of Stanley. Thanks to the immediate response of his fellow Stanley Police Officers and the Luray Police Department, Page County Sheriff's Office, Warren County Sheriff's Office, and the Virginia State Police, the suspect shooter was tracked to and taken into custody in a field off Marksville Road. There is no additional threat to the community this evening. 

At the request of the Town of Stanley Police Department and the Page County Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Culpeper Field Office is investigating the line of duty death shooting of Officer Winum and the subsequent fatal officer-involved shooting.

The first shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. Friday (Feb. 26) during which a Town of Stanley Police Officer was fatally shot outside a residence in the 600 block of Judy Lane. The officer had initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle. Before the officer could even exit his patrol vehicle, the driver got out of his vehicle and opened fire.  The officer, D.J. Winum, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The shooter, Dakota G. Richards, 29, of Stanley, Va., fled into the nearby woods on foot.

Law enforcement personnel responded to the scene and assisted with tracking Richards. He was later located hiding out in a barn in the 700 block of Marksville Road. There, Richards made a threatening movement and was shot by Page County Sheriff's Deputies.

Richards succumbed to his injuries. His remains will be transported to the Office of Medical Examiner.

No additional law enforcement were injured.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.