Holly MatkinHenrico County, VA – Henrico County Police Department (HCPD) Officer Trey Marshall Sutton died in the line of duty during a three-vehicle crash on Wednesday night, according to police.
The 24-year-old officer and his partner were traveling westbound on Wilkinson Road with a man who was in their custody when a southbound Dodge pickup slammed into them at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
A third vehicle was also hit, according to police.
Officer Sutton, his partner, and the man in their custody were all transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
A fourth crash victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.
Officer Sutton ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The second officer and the male they were transporting remained hospitalized “in critical condition with potentially life-threatening injuries” on Thursday afternoon, HCPD Chief Eric English said in a press release.
The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
“This is a tragedy for everyone, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved,” Chief English wrote. “God bless Officer Sutton for his chosen profession – law enforcement and commitment to Henrico County.”
Officer Sutton joined the HCPD in June of 2021 and graduated from the basic police academy in February.
“Sutton was a well-respected member of his recent academy class,” Chief English noted.
He was assigned to the HCPD’s Patrol Bureau and was in field training at the time of his death.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released a statement Thursday in the wake of the young officer’s death, WRIC reported.
“The First Lady and I are heartbroken by the loss of Henrico Police Officer and Chesterfield resident Trey Marshall Sutton,” Youngkin said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Sutton, the Henrico Police Department, the entire law enforcement community, and the others injured in the crash.”
“This tragedy serves as a constant reminder that our men and women in blue put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities,” the governor added.
The men and women of @VaCapitolPolice are shrouding their badges to honor the memory of Henrico Police Officer Trey M. Sutton, 24, a February 2022 academy graduate who was fatally injured in a three-vehicle crash Wednesday night. One other officer remains in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/eq3YYdNlh9
— Va Capitol Police (@VaCapitolPolice) March 31, 2022
Traffic Alert: Route 301 at Wilkinson Road is closed due to a 3-vehicle crash. Northbound 301 has been reduced to one lane. First responders are on scene investigating a crash that sent 4 adults to an area hospital. pic.twitter.com/IsdeykDFXZ
— Henrico Police (@HenricoPolice) March 31, 2022
"I know he was doing what he wanted to do."
With tears in his eyes, Henrico Police Chief Eric English recalled the last interaction he had with Officer Trey Sutton at a crime scene on Friday.
"He had so much to give to this community," Chief English said. @NBC12 pic.twitter.com/CQL75goKOs
— Desiree Montilla NBC12 (@desmontilla) March 31, 2022
— Henrico Police (@HenricoPolice) March 31, 2022
ACPD Officers are shrouding their badges to honor the service and sacrifice of @HenricoPolice Officer Trey Marshall Sutton, who was killed following a three-vehicle crash on Wednesday evening. Our thoughts remain with his friends, family and all who served alongside him. pic.twitter.com/cUTF4GVSAC
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) March 31, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Henrico County Police Department Officer Trey Marshall Sutton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
