On Friday night in Wintergreen, Nelson County, Virginia police responded to reports of a Maryland man, Daniel Barmak, 23, causing injury to two other 23 year-olds at the home they were all visiting.
When Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II, 31, arrived on the scene, he encountered Barmak and the other occupants fleeing the house. As he chased Barmak through the woods behind the property, a struggle for his department-issued handgun ensued. Barmak fatally shot the officer during the exchange.
Later responding officers found several narcotics and paraphernalia located inside the residence.
Virginia authorities have charged Barmak with several felonies, including capital murder, in connection to the killing of Officer Wagner.
Medical attention was being administered to Barmak at UVA Medical Center, and he is currently in custody at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell shared a tribute to Officer Wagner on social media, explaining that Wagner joined their force just last August. His spare time was devoted to outdoor activities like hiking and photography. Furthermore, he was ready and willing to accommodate extra shifts whenever needed. His dedication to the badge and commitment to the community was palpable and praised by the Chief.
The loss of Officer Wagner has been a great shock to the Wintergreen community.