Incident
Trooper Ricky McCoy was shot and killed after responding to reports of a vehicle being driven erratically on I-81 near Salem, Virginia. As he approached the vehicle, the suspects ambushed him and wounded him. As he attempted to crawl back to his patrol car, one of the suspects shot and killed him. The men had just stolen the vehicle from the Front Royal area after shooting the owner. After shooting Trooper McCoy, the suspects ran to a nearby residence, killed one of the residents, kidnapped the man's wife, and stole their van. A chase ensued in which the men shot and killed the hostage before both committed suicide. Trooper McCoy had served with the Virginia State Police for 5.5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-69E1B7FB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper McCoy gave the Virginia State Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Virginia. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper McCoy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Ricky Marshall McCoy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Virginia State Police, 19 of 52 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 36.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ricky Marshall McCoy's cause is highlighted.
How Ricky Marshall McCoy Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ricky Marshall McCoy is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ricky Marshall McCoy was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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