A Virginia police officer named Ashley Guindon was shot and killed on her first day on the job after she and two other colleagues responded to a report about a domestic argument.
Guindon was fatally shot in Prince William County, Virginia on Saturday, February 27, just a day after being sworn in as a county police officer.
Murdered #PrinceWilliamCounty Ofc Ashley Guindon was just sworn in yesterday. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/W7i5v4xxzW
— Bruce Leshan (@BruceLeshan) February 28, 2016
According to police reports, a woman had already been killed inside the house during a domestic altercation before the responding police officers arrived. Officers reportedly received a call around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday about a “verbal argument.”
Army Sgt. Ronald Hamilton, who once served in the Army, started shooting as soon as the police officers came to his house. Guindon died during the shootout while the other two police officers were badly wounded.
We are getting our first look at Ronald Hamilton, who is accused of killing rookie officer Ashley Guindon. #fox5dc pic.twitter.com/RsA4SpjN07
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) February 28, 2016
Prince William County Police Chief Stephan Hudson paid tribute to Ashley Guindon and honored her heroic act on Sunday. Hudson is tight-lipped as to what might have pushed the military serviceman, who worked at the Pentagon, to open fire.
The suspect and his wife had been arguing all day before the police officers arrived, according to the investigation. Hamilton reportedly shot and killed his wife when she tried to report their dispute to 911, and then fired at the arriving authorities. Their 11-year-old son was said to be at home when the incident happened. A handgun and a rifle were recovered at the crime scene.
According to the Toronto Sun, Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert has authorized a capital murder charge, first-degree murder, and malicious wounding, against Hamilton.
Draping car in honor of fallen officer Ashley Guindon here @PWCPoliceDept pic.twitter.com/woKhkJqQmR
— Megan Dice (@MeganDiceFOX5DC) February 28, 2016
Ashley Guindon earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. She also had a license to fly historical aircraft. Guindon had served in the Marine Reserve as a Corporal before joining the police academy.