Police identify helicopter, troopers in crash
Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Burke M.M. Bates were killed in the crash
Duty Death: H. Jay Cullen and Burke M.M. Bates - [Charlottesville, Virginia]
End of Service: 08/12/2017
UPDATE 8:27 p.m. (CST):
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Virginia state police said one of their agency's helicopters crashed Saturday outside Charlottesville, killing two troopers.
Police said the helicopter was assisting law enforcement officers monitor the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.
Police said Lt. H. Jay Cullen of Midlothian and Trooper-Pilot Burke M.M. Bates of Quinton were killed in the crash.
The crash happened just a few hours after a car plowed into a crowd of people peacefully protesting against the white nationalist rally. One person was killed and at least two dozen were hurt.
Virginia State Police identify two officers killed in helicopter crash near Charlottesville. https://t.co/9k3oqvhte6 pic.twitter.com/g5jh2NVwF8
— ABC News (@ABC) August 13, 2017
EARLIER:
By Police1 Staff
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. —A helicopter crashed near the site of a white nationalist rally that erupted in violence, killing two troopers.
According to NBC News, Virginia State Police say the crash happened in a wooded area and no one on the ground was injured. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
BREAKING NEWS: Police helicopter reportedly crashes near Charlottesville, casualties feared pic.twitter.com/9rjGy5dYOm
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 12, 2017
Officials told the AP the crash was linked to the rally, but it was not immediately clear how.
President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
Deepest condolences to the families & fellow officers of the VA State Police who died today. You're all among the best this nation produces.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2017
NBC News: Senior law enforcement official confirms that Virginia State Police troopers were killed in the helicopter crash this afternoon.
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) August 12, 2017
