Loss of Woodbridge police officer touches the nation

buzzz worthy. . .

A police officer on the first day of the job was killed in the line of duty on Saturday in Woodbridge, VA.  Officer Ashley Guindon was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call where the victim, Crystal Sheree Hamilton, was also slain.  Guindon had just been sworn in the day before. Two other officers were also wounded.

Quickly spreading online, the sad news of her Guindon's death has touched hearts far and wide.  The Slice joins the chorus of condolences pouring in from around the nation.  The families of both victims are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Prince William County Police Department release the following special press release.

LINE OF DUTY DEATH OF OFFICER ASHLEY GUINDON

The Prince William County Police Department is in deep mourning over the loss of Officer Ashley Guindon. Our sincere condolences go out to Ashley's family and friends, as well as, our fellow officers and department staff. We are asking for thoughts and prayers as we monitor the conditions of the two officers who remain hospitalized. We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from our Prince William County community and from those across the nation and world. We continue to ask for that support as we move forward with making final arrangements to honor Ashley's sacrifice.

On February 27 at 5:37PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 15000 block of Lashmere Ct in Woodbridge (22192) for an initial report of a domestic altercation. When officers arrived on scene, they approached the front door of the home and were confronted by a suspect, later identified as the accused. The accused was armed with a firearm and opened fire, striking three county police officers who sustained critical wounds. Additional officers arrived at the residence and the accused surrendered to police without further incident. Officers also provided life-saving first aid to the wounded officers until Fire & Rescue crews could get on scene. All three officers were flown to Fairfax INOVA Hospital where one of the officers, identified as Officer Ashley Guindon, died as a result of her injuries. After securing the suspect, officers conducted a search of the home and located an adult woman inside deceased from gunshot related injuries. An 11-year old boy was also inside the residence at the time of the incident and fled the home at some point during the encounter. The child was not injured and will be released to the custody of other family members. The investigation revealed that the accused and his wife were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated physically. The wife was able to contact police; however, before officers could arrive, she was allegedly shot and killed by the accused. The remaining two officers shot during the encounter remain hospitalized at this time. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested and charged. More information will be released when available. This is Prince William County's fourth line of duty death since the department's inception in 1970 and only the second officer to be killed feloniously in the line of duty.

Arrested on February 27:
Ronald Williams HAMILTON, age 32, of 13051 Lashmere Ct in Woodbridge
Charged with 1 count of captial murder of a police officer, 1 count of first degree murder, 2 counts of malicious wounding of a police officer, and 2 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Identified: 
Crystal Sheree HAMILTON, age 29, of Woodbridge

Fallen Officer:
Prince William County Police Officer Ashley GUINDON, age 28 
Last evening was Officer Guindon's first shift after being sworn-in as a police officer on February 26

Wounded Officers:
Prince William County Police Officer Jesse HEMPEN, age 31, an 8.5 year veteran of the police department

Prince William County Police Officer David MCKEOWN, age 33, a 10 year veteran of the police department