Holly MatkinBy Holly Matkin and Sandy Malone
Covington, VA – Covington Police Department (CPD) Officer Caleb Ogilvie was murdered in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance on Monday night.
The incident began at about 4:30 p.m. on March 14 when 42-year-old Toney Poulston, Jr. went into the Farm & Fuel gas station located on North Allegheny Avenue to confront 64-year-old Randall Lee Paxton, a relative who worked at the store, WTVR reported.
Virginia State Police (VSP) said that Covington police officers and Allegheny County sheriff’s deputies responded to the store after someone called and reported Poulston’s “erratic and escalating” behavior.
Authorities said the confrontation escalated quickly and Poulston pulled out a gun and fatally shot Paxton, WTVR reported.
Poulston was armed and leaving the store when law enforcement officers arrived at the gas station.
A gunfight ensued and a Covington police officer was fatally shot, WTVR reported.
He was later identified as Officer Ogilvie.
Poulston was also killed during the exchange of gunfire.
Paxton’s wife was inside the store when her husband was shot, but she was not injured, WTVR reported.
VSP said no other customers, employees, or law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Virginia State Police will be heading up the investigation into the incident, WDBJ reported.
CPD Chief Christopher Smith announced Officer Ogilvie’s death in a Facebook post Tuesday morning.
“It is with deep regret that I must share with our community the news that Police Officer Caleb Ogilvie, 35, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic shooting at the Covington Farm and Fuel Monday afternoon,” Chief Smith wrote.
“On behalf of the City of Covington Police Department, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support from the residents of Covington and Alleghany County,” he added.
Officer Ogilvie served his country as a U.S. Marine and in the Reserves prior to joining the CPD, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
He graduated from the law enforcement academy in May of last year, WSLS reported.
Officer Ogilvie leaves behind his wife and their two young daughters, as well as his ex-wife and their two children, according to Fund the First.
“He was an amazing father, husband and friend,” one fundraising page read. “He spent his life serving his country as a Marine and Law Enforcement Officer.”
Donors have contributed over $20,000 to the fundraising effort so far.
Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin posted condolences online Tuesday morning.
The First Lady and I are devastated by the tragic loss of a Covington Police Officer,” Youngkin tweeted. “This serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers risk their lives every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen officer during this difficult time.”
Sheriff Sean Casey and the entire ASO family offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of fallen Officer Caleb Ogilvie and to all who proudly served with him at the Covington Police Department. pic.twitter.com/81aS8DCZQo
— Alexandria Sheriff (@AlexVASheriff) March 15, 2022
Our hearts go out to the Covington community today as we mourn the passing of our law enforcement brother, Officer Caleb Ogilvie. This hero made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and coworkers.
Rest easy brother💙 pic.twitter.com/3NlMN46ou8— Virginia Tech Police (@VaTechPolice) March 15, 2022
We are heartbroken for the Covington Police Department facing the loss of Officer Ogilvie who was killed in the line of duty yesterday while responding to a domestic related incident. Our thoughts are with his family, his colleagues, and his friends, as we mourn his loss. pic.twitter.com/N4XXJLQ6T8
— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) March 15, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Covington Police Department Officer Caleb Ogilvie, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Caleb Ogilvie, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
