PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — We now know more about what led to the death of Prince William police Officer Chris Yung.
Yung is the third officer on the Prince William force to be killed in the line of duty since the department was founded in 1970.
Department spokesman Jonathan Perok said Yung was responding to a separate crash at the intersection of Fauquier Drive and Reid Lane , about seven miles from where he was killed, with lights and sirens activated when he collided with a minivan at Va. 28 and Piper Lane near Manasass about 2 p.m. Monday.
More in press release:
The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2001 Dodge Caravan made a left hand turn from northbound Nokesville Rd into the shopping center crossing in front of the officer who was traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd. The officer was on his department motorcycle with the emergency equipment activated, including lights and siren.
As a result of the crash, the van and motorcycle caught fire. Two off duty members of the Fairfax County Department of Fire and Rescue and 2 additional citizens were able to pull the officer from the fire and began to administer CPR. Fire and Rescue personnel responded and transported the officer to an area hospital where he died.
At the time of the crash, the traffic signal for Nokesville Rd at the intersection was green, permitting northbound and southbound traffic to flow. The driver and passenger inside the van were not injured. The investigation continues.
The driver of the 2001 Dodge Caravan was identified as a 69 year old woman of Gainesville
The passenger was identified as a 47 year old woman of Gainesville
Yung leaves behind a wife and three children, as well as other family members – including a brother and sister -in-law who are also police officers in Prince William County. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
In a statement, Acting Prince William Police Chief Barry asked for the public’s support for the agency as they deal with the loss of an officer:
The Prince William County police department would like to recognize the Virginia State Police, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Manassas City Police Department, and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue for their assistance, and also the citizens who risked their own lives to help. This is the department’s 3rd line of duty death since the department’s founding in 1970. Acting Chief Barry Barnard continues to ask for the public’s thoughts and prayers as the department copes with the loss of a colleague and friend.
Yung spent seven years with the Prince William Police Department after serving as a U.S. Marine. He had been assigned to the traffic unit as a motorcycle officer.
More to the Story: A candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the shopping center near where Yung was killed: 9900 Sowder Village Sq, Bristow.
